By Arielle Tschinkel, INSIDER

• Lots of people are sexting, but not everyone is doing it safely. 
• Sexting may be fun, but that doesn't mean it's safe.
• Between photo hacks and revenge porn, there's no foolproof way to ensure your privacy.
• INSIDER spoke with experts about the best ways to sext to keep you safe.
• Practicing consent, using the right apps, and turning off your iCloud can all help.
• Visit INSIDER.com for more stories.

Sexting is extremely common these days. Recent studies say 74% of American adults and 67% of international adults admit to sending or receiving explicit texts, photos, or videos, and most of them say they are in committed relationships.

But it's not just coupled-up adults that are sexting — sexting among teens has increased, with a 2018 study published in JAMA Pediatrics revealing that 14.8% and 27.4% of teens admitting to sending and receiving sexts, a number that has steadily increased since 2009, when smartphones and tablets began to gain prevalence for many people.

By Carolyn Steber, Bustle

Some conversations are easier to have than others, especially when it comes to saying difficult things to your partner. It can be tempting to sweep certain issues under the rug, as a way of avoiding conflict, tension, and discomfort. But if something's eating away at you, it's best to get it all out for your own sake — as well as the health of your relationship.