Let's start an honest discussion about sex

 

So much connection can happen during sex: it feels great, happy brain chemicals are released, and healing skin to skin contact occurs. For highly attuned couples, sex becomes a potent exchange of mind, body, and spirit which creates bonding and the experience of oneness. This is good stuff I tell you!
 

Yet, after years of marriage and kids, and being with one partner for a long time, some couples say they have lost interest in having sex with each other. 

On the other hand, other couples who have been married and monogamous for decades or more say sex gets better and better. 

 

Studies show that couples are the most satisfied with their sex life, talk about sex...

 

What they like

What they don't like

 

What they want to try

What they don't want to try

 

What makes them uncomfortable

And what their fantasies are.

The focus of this blog post is centered on how to start talking about sex with your partner, in an effort to nudge things forward. Many couples attempt sex talk but end up triggered and fighting, keeping them stuck and sexless.  

It starts with your emotions

Before you even begin to talk, explore your emotions. It is healthy and normal to want to have sex with your partner. It is also healthy and normal to feel angry or frustrated, for example, if your partner stops wanting it. 

The emotions you have are valid

 

What you are feeling is healthy and normal. But how you show your feelings and talk about the situation, will impact your relationship, which can be positive or negative.

For example, if your partner is not interested in sex and you show your anger by announcing harshly that you are sleeping on the couch, you are unlikely to turn her on!

 

Or if you show your anger by nailing your husband with questions, when he says he is tired and wants to sleep instead of having sex, you are unlikely to get him in the mood!

Before moving on, let me restate: 

The emotions you have are valid. Allowing yourself to feel whatever you are feeling is healthy. However, the way you express your feelings will determine whether your conversation creates closeness or conflict and whether you start having sex again or stay sexless. 

Let's explore anger a little more.

 

Underneath feelings of anger are almost always unrecognized softer feelings such as sadness or fear.

See if you can get to these feelings. If you show sadness (about the loss of connection) or fear (that you are drifting apart) this is likely to draw your partner in. Approaching your partner in this way will create an entirely different kind of discussion than the scenes painted above. 

In summary: Before you sit down to discuss sex with your partner, explore your feelings, and be ready to communicate from a vulnerable and soft place. 

Timing matters

Do not try to have important conversations about wanting more sex when you are in the midst of trying to get it, during it, or after one or both of you has refused it. 

Plan a time to talk that is neutral, when you will be free from distractions, and when life, in general, is going well. Sometimes my partner and I like to walk and talk when we have important topics to discuss. This is a great way to stay balanced, focused, and emotionally regulated (i.e. untriggered). 

Body language is communication

Exude a presence of closeness and connection with your partner (slow down, make eye contact, touch). Attune to your partner, try to sense what he or she is feeling. 

Request and commit to honesty and directness

Be explicit in your desire to hear the truth. Then listen. There may be some things shared that are hard to hear. Yet, this is where the possibility for change lies. 

Make one small change

 

If you are the one who is unhappy with the status quo, start with making one small change. Be creative, be bold, have fun with it, and get your partner back in bed. For some ways to do this, click here.