WHEN sexting’s good, it’s sizzling – but when it goes wrong, it can be a total disaster.

I should know. It’s happened to me, and I still cringe every time I think about one mortifying X-rated mishap.
I was in the middle of sexting an ex when I accidentally fired off a string of aubergine emojis and splash signs… to my dad. Mortifying doesn’t even cover it.
In a blind panic, I tried to pass it off as if I was cooking a spicy curry that had made me cry – but let’s just say, he wasn’t buying it.
That toe-curling memory came flooding back when I read the letter below from a reader this week. And believe me, she has my full sympathy.
Like me, she had a few different chats on the go with friends, and one slip of the finger was all it took for disaster to strike…
Q. I wanted to spice things up with my other half, so I decided to surprise him with a sexy snap.
We’ve been together for five years and used to sext loads at the start of our relationship, but things have gone off the boil recently.
So I stripped off and sent him an X-rated picture – only to realise I’d actually pinged it to his mate, who I happened to be messaging (about something totally innocent!) at the same time.
Now my boyfriend is absolutely furious. He thinks I did it on purpose because he’s always suspected I had a crush on his friend. I swear I didn’t – it was just a stupid mistake.
What can I do to prove it was an accident? And how can I rebuild things between us?
I’d love to get back into sexting, but I’m clearly not very good at it. Any tips?
Georgie says: Look, mistakes happen – especially when sexting. Trust me, I’ve been there (my poor dad still hasn’t forgiven aubergine-gate).
Give your bloke a bit of space to cool down. Deep down, he probably knows it was an innocent slip, but it sounds like he’s got some insecurities about you and his mate.
Pick a time – and definitely not in the bedroom – to iron out those worries before you send any more naughty snaps.
You need to give him plenty of reassurance and try to see it from his point of view.
Don’t get angry with him for feeling hurt — instead, calmly remind him it was an honest mistake and nothing more. Remind him of all the things you love about him.
If someone has bared all (quite literally) for you then now is NOT the time to play it cool
Georgie Culley, Sun Sexpert
When it comes to sexting, don’t be too disheartened. You made a very human error, but that doesn’t mean you’re “bad” at sexting. Truth is, there’s no such thing – though you do need to be careful.
When it’s done right, sexting can be a total game-changer. The brain is the sexiest organ of all, and a few saucy messages can be the perfect warm-up act before the real deal.
One hiccup doesn’t mean you need to hang up your kinky boots – and your phone – for good.
But remember, in today’s busy, distracted world, sexting demands your full attention – otherwise, you risk turning your passion project into a very awkward group chat.
Here’s my dos and don’ts of sexting if you want to heat things up without any cringe mishaps along the way.
Start slowly
Don’t dive straight in and give away the goods. When it comes to sexting, less is more… at least at first. The secret is to build tension, upping the ante and making your partner crave more.
Start slowly with suggestive messages, flirty questions and lots of teasing – rather than rushing straight to the X-rated stuff.
Think of it like a digital striptease: you reveal a little at a time, keeping them on the edge of their seat.
Lock it down
Most of us have a password set to enter our phone – but if your WhatsApp is packed with some… risqué messages, that alone isn’t enough.
You need to take extra measures to ensure even the likes of Alan Turing couldn’t crack it.
Move your X-rated chat into the ‘locked’ folder on WhatsApp for extra security and make sure naughty pics don’t automatically download onto your phone.
Don’t leave them hanging
If someone has bared all (quite literally) for you then now is NOT the time to play it cool. They’ll start to over analyse what they’ve sent, which could affect their confidence and kill the mood.
If you’re going to engage in a sexting session, make sure your phone is fully charged and you’ve got no other distractions. Your partner deserves your full attention.
Check the backdrop
There’s nothing worse than a toilet seat sneaking into your shot or a messy bedroom ruining the vibe. Sure, your partner is focusing on your body, but your surroundings matter too.
I once sexted a guy whose room looked like a bomb had gone off – crumpled sheets, clutter everywhere. I’m no clean freak, but honestly, that was a total turn-off.
Never show your face
Here’s a rule that can’t be stressed enough: never, ever show your face. I don’t care how long you’ve been together or how much you trust them.
People and relationships change, and in today’s era of revenge porn, you don’t want to put yourself at risk.
When done right, sexting can be a total game-changer – the brain is the sexiest organ of all
Store names wisely
If your partner has the same name as a family member, friend or – god forbid – your boss, then you need to proceed with caution to avoid any embarrassing slip-ups.
Give your partner a totally random contact name – ideally starting with a Z or X, so you know for certain nobody else in your life shares it.
Unless you’re sexting Zendaya, and let’s be honest, no mortal soul is that lucky…
Beware of auto-correct
If you’re hopeless at spelling, auto-correct can be a lifesaver – most of the time. But it can also be a nightmare. Imagine sending “show me your bum” and it turns into “show me your mum”… mega awks!
Turn it off when you’re in the throes of sexting, or triple check every message before you send it.
Use good lighting
You want to look your best in pics, so think flattering lighting. Soft, warm lamps or natural light in front of you – like standing by a window – are ideal.
Just make sure your neighbour isn’t getting a free show while you do it!
Avoid using social media apps to take nudes. Filters may look fun on Instagram or Snapchat, but one wrong click and your sexy snap could end up in front of all your followers – and that’s not the exposure you want!
I accidentally sexted my dad, mortifying doesn’t even cover it
Don’t juggle multiple chats
Don’t have multiple conversations while sexting. If you’re replying to more than one person on WhatsApp, it’s far too easy to send a saucy message to the wrong person.
Give your full attention to the person you’re sexting – that way, you avoid cringe-worthy mix-ups and accidental disasters.
Be true to yourself
Don’t get so carried away that you start sending filthy messages you have no intention of acting on in real life.
You could end up in an awkward – or even embarrassing – situation if you promise something or claim to enjoy something you really don’t.
It’s fine to indulge in fantasies, but if there’s a chance your sexts could turn into reality, keep it real. Be honest about what actually turns you on and what’s a hard no.
That way, you avoid setting yourself up for failure while still keeping the messages hot and heavy.