'Ex recycling' explained as Khloé Kardashian opens up about celibacy milestone

Khloé Kardashian left her family stunned after sharing an unexpected update on her sex life, prompting one family member to suggest she try ex recycling – a proposal she was quick to shoot down.

During the season eight premiere of The Kardashians, the Good American jeans co-founder and owner revealed she’s been celibate for four years, leaving Kim Kardashian in shock.

Khloé was chatting with family friend and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Chris Appleton about how ‘proud’ she is for taking time to herself after her split from Tristan Thompson.

Fans will remember she called time on their romance in 2021 after numerous cheating scandals involving the NBA star. Together they share two children, eight-year-old True Thompson, and four-year-old Tatum Thompson, who was born via surrogate in 2022.

As celebrity hairstylist Chris began questioning Khloé about her dating life, he quizzed: “How long has it been? Just tell me you’ve had sex.”

She replied: “Nope. December four years.”

She joked that Chris is ‘stunned’ every time he hears about her celibacy. ‘It’s crazy’, she quipped.

Kim then suggested Khloé should hook up with one of her exes.

Khloé and Tristan split up for good in 2021 (Instagram/@Khloekardashian)

What is ex recycling?

The SKIMS founder, who is currently dating Lewis Hamilton, explained her ‘seven-month rule’ and suggested that Khloé should follow suit.

The philosophy describes when someone returns to a familiar, past partner as an easy way to end a prolonged dry spell. It’s a celebration of been there, done that and avoids the stress of modern dating and dating app courtship.

Kim summarised her philosophy by stating: “After like seven months, I’ll recycle,” she said.

But Khloé wasn’t too keen on ‘ex-recycling’, stating: “My recycle list is such gutter. No one wants me to recycle my list. They are the bottom of the barrel.”

Kris Jenner was also present and suggested: “Why don’t you sleep with her then,” to Chris, who joked ‘he would’ but Khloé didn’t seem interested.

Khloé later explained her reasoning: “I can’t just have sex with people, I don’t want to just do that. I feel so afraid to even consider dating someone right now, where just, like I don’t want to.

“2022 It was such a different me, it was a darker me, I was sad. I remember how different my energy was because I was going through it with Tristan.

“I’ve changed so much in a better way and I am really proud of myself for taking my time and healing.

“We can all recycle old boyfriends and hook up with people that shouldn’t be in our lives, I haven’t done any of that. I feel good about all those things.

“I think the goal for everyone is to find someone to grow old with but I’m not just going to force that.”

Khloé didn't seem amused by the idea of ex recycling (Instagram/@khloekardashian)

Benefits of celibacy

While some might find four years without sex difficult to imagine, it turns out there could be some psychological benefits.

While sex is often associated with improved mood, reduced stress and emotional connection, experts suggest that choosing to abstain can have its own psychological advantages. According to WebMD, one potential benefit of celibacy is having more time to focus on yourself and your personal development.

Sex can help relieve stress thanks to the release of feel-good chemicals, including dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins.

However, relationships themselves can sometimes be a source of anxiety, particularly when there's conflict, uncertainty or emotional upheaval.

Another potential psychological benefit is developing a stronger sense of emotional independence.

Celibacy can also free up time and mental energy previously devoted to dating or maintaining sexual relationships.