SOLVED. Science Fiction, A society where forbidden intimacy was not expressed through sex but personal deep conversation. People could have all the sex they wanted, but they had to hide any verbal connection that could be deemed inappropriate. [s]

[Jan]

A society where forbidden intimacy was not expressed through sex but personal deep conversation. People could have all the sex they wanted, but they had to hide any verbal connection that could be deemed inappropriate.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Jan, please add some plot details to your header since thousands of members are also looking for SF.

When did you read it?
When was it published?
Author female or male?
Remember the cover?

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Possibly We?

[Jan]

Thanks, Lobstergirl. I read the book decades ago, probably 30+ years. I don't remember whether the author was male or female, or anything about the cover. The only aspect that burned into my brain was the feature I noted. I know it's not much information! I just read reviews about the book "We", and I don't think that's it...

[Andy]

Previous discussion of a story that sounds similar
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Rosa]

"The Senior Prom" by Fred Saberhagen, in Prom Night?

[Jan]

Andy, I think you found it!! I hadn't remembered it being a short story, but this must be it. Rosa, I appreciate your suggestion, too. Thank you all so much.

[Kris]

Here are the links: "Do You Want My Opinion?" by M.E. Kerr - in Sixteen: Short Stories by Outstanding Writers for Young Adults by Donald R. Gallo

[Andy]

Jan wrote: "Andy, I think you found it!! I hadn't remembered it being a short story, but this must be it. Rosa, I appreciate your suggestion, too. Thank you all so much."

You're very welcome - glad you found your story.

[Jan]

Awesome, Kris, thanks.

[Michele]

"Do you want my opinion?" is also available online.

[Jan]

Thank you, Michele!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Details added to header.