If you’re in a sexual relationship, it’s likely that at some point, you will find yourself experiencing differences in desire. While this may not be a problem for many couples, others may feel frustrated and confused by these changes. How do you navigate these differences? What can be done to ensure your relationship remains healthy and enjoyable?
To address these questions, we’ll look at strategies for navigating sexual desire differences with your partner, including more communication, empathy, and experimentation with new approaches.
Find common ground
Discovering shared interests is one of the best ways to begin a conversation about wants. Even if you and your partner aren’t entirely comfortable with each other’s sexual orientations and preferences, you may still find common ground by engaging in activities you both find enjoyable.
When considering whether or not porn is a good fit for a relationship, it’s essential to consider how each partner feels about porn if one enjoys it and the other does not. Suppose one partner feels more attracted to casual sex than the other. In that case, it could benefit that person to learn more about their sexual preferences without experiencing any shame or guilt.
Practice communication.
A healthy relationship is built on open lines of communication. Without good communication, it will be impossible to maintain a happy and fulfilling relationship. Even if your partner’s sex drive is low, it’s still important to talk about it, and I don’t mean when things are going well.
It’s normal to feel like the world is collapsing when you and your partner are going through a sex drought, but remember that your partner’s requirements may differ from yours. To solve this problem, two individuals must work together, communicate openly, and ensure each other (and themselves) feels heard. Listening is just as essential as talking when speaking.
Set realistic expectations
It’s important to explain that you want a healthy relationship where your partner can be comfortable with their sexual desires. You are not looking for a relationship where you have to change your sexual desires.
If you’re trying to find a balance between the two of you, it’s helpful to know what each person is looking for in terms of their sexual expression and needs. What do both parties expect? How can they work together on this issue?
Practice empathy
While focusing on your partner’s emotions, needs, and wants is essential, you should also examine your own. You must be able to put yourself in the shoes of another person going through a period of divergent sexual desires and ask yourself, “What do I want?”
It might be challenging to empathize with a partner when we feel emotionally distant from their lives. But if we practice empathy by wondering if our partners are feeling the same way we are (e.g., “I wonder if he feels frustrated”) or by imagining how we would feel if we were in their shoes (e.g., “I would probably feel anxious”), we can grow in compassion and understanding of why they might be acting differently than us right now.
Experiment with new approaches
Trying something new is less risky if you and your partner are in the same place. Trying anything novel when you’re alone can be more challenging, as you may be more likely to be the target of ridicule or awkward stares.
If you’re looking for inspiration on trying new things, consider checking out this Love Her Feet page featuring model Vanna Bardot’s feet. Visit page to explore new ways of experiencing sexual pleasure with your partner.
Prioritize intimacy
If you want to have a happy and rewarding relationship with your partner, you must prioritize intimacy. It’s crucial to work on developing various types of intimacy in your relationship, from physical touch to emotional bonding to sexual expression.
Regularly making time for one another is one method to prioritize intimacy. Whether it’s a night out on the town once a month, a nightly snuggle session before bed, or just a few moments a day, make time for your significant other and make an effort to connect with them emotionally. Setting aside time for your partner means you value your relationship with them enough to prioritize it in your schedule.
Seek professional help
Get counseling if you and your partner can’t seem to strike a sexual compromise. You and your spouse can overcome the difficulties of desire differences with the support of various resources.
A professional counselor or therapist who focuses on couples can be a safe place to discuss these issues without fear of guilt or condemnation. As therapists have first-hand experience with clients having difficulties satisfying their sexual desire, they are uniquely positioned to offer helpful guidance moving forward (and potentially avoid them altogether).
If you and your friend are both uncomfortable with the direct conversation, try communicating through email or text message to work through some of the more contentious issues at hand; you may find this method more effective than face-to-face conversations, as it provides more anonymity while still providing valuable feedback at each stage.
Be open to compromise.
One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to be open to compromise. You may be used to negotiating about what you want, but this doesn’t mean your partner should always give in to their needs.
For example, if your partner wants sex more often than you do (or vice versa), there’s no reason why they shouldn’t go without it—if that means making sure there’s enough time for both of them before work or school starts up again tomorrow morning, then so be it!
It’s all about finding a balance between everyone involved: you and your partner need their own space as well as each other; when working together toward achieving goals (like sexual satisfaction), a healthy relationship requires communication and respect for both parties’ needs to be met equally within those parameters set by both partners.”
Key Takeaway
Talking about sexual desire differences can help you discuss what each person needs and build trust over time. If you find no middle ground between the two of you—or even if one person feels they need more intimacy than their partner does—it’s essential to accept that and move on from there!
