Welcome to Sex in the Sticks (and Stuff)! My name is Melody Karmichael (she/her), the matriarch of the blog. Welcome to a space where I explore the messy, fascinating, and often hilarious world of dating in a rural area—and everything that comes with it. Here, I get curious about relationships, sex, sexuality, sexual behavior, and all the things we don’t always feel comfortable talking about out loud.
This blog is also a place where I challenge and dismantle the internalized messages I’ve absorbed about romantic relationships, womanhood, and who I’m supposed to be. I get real about the roles I’ve played in relationships, how those roles have shaped the dynamics I’ve experienced, and the ways I’m learning to take responsibility for my contributions without taking responsibility for everything.
I write honestly about reclaiming my power after years of losing myself in unhealthy relationships and a marriage. About finding my voice, trusting myself, reconnecting with my desires, and, yes, getting my “Oh’s” back.
I hold a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and am currently pursuing a doctorate in Human Sexualities Studies. I’ll draw from my educational, professional, and personal experiences—but my greatest expertise comes from being human, living through things, asking questions, and remaining willing to challenge what I thought I knew.
This is a space for curiosity, self-exploration, humor, vulnerability, and unapologetic honesty. I hope that as I navigate this world and figure things out in real time, something I share helps you feel more empowered to question the scripts you’ve been handed, reclaim parts of yourself, and create relationships—and a life—that feel more authentically yours.
*Side Notes:
- This page, my experience, my hot takes aren’t going to be for everyone and that’s okay! I am using this space as an open journal of sorts. I’m not going to get it “right” all the time and some of the information I share is going to evoke uncomfortable feelings (for me to). While I work to use inclusive and appropriate language, I might fuck up. Please feel free offer new information and create a dialogue. While I’ve probably had the most critical thoughts possible about myself, please remember I am a human and words still hurt. Let’s move with love baby!
- Some of the names, stories, and details have been adjusted for my privacy and the privacy of the people in my life and that I write about.
- When I use “women” in this blog, I am referring to all people who identify as a woman. Similarly, when I use “men,” I am referring to all people who identify as a man. This includes transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and all other people and beings on this planet. Remember, it’s all made up, it’s all socially constructed language we slapped on and created meaning around 🙂
