Sex Talks

1. Acknowledge the existence of sex in your relationship

Sex is an incredibly intimate act, and not even acknowledging its existence can feel jarring.

Break the silence. Many couples struggle to talk about sex, even with their long-term partners. This lack of acknowledgment can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. Start by sharing positive memories or compliments about your sex life. Use this as a foundation to build more open communication.

Normalize the conversation. Make sex a regular topic of discussion, not just when there are problems. This can include:

• Giving specific compliments about your partner's body or sexual abilities
• Discussing favorite sexual memories
• Sharing articles or social media posts about sex and relationships

By acknowledging sex as a normal part of your relationship, you create a safer space for more in-depth conversations about intimacy and desire.

2. Cultivate emotional intimacy before physical intimacy

Learning how to talk about sex doesn't just impact your sex life; it also extends to all your other relationships—romantic, familial, and platonic!

Prioritize connection. Emotional intimacy is the foundation for a satisfying sex life. Focus on building trust, vulnerability, and understanding with your partner outside the bedroom. This can involve:

• Regular check-ins about your relationship
• Sharing personal thoughts and feelings
• Engaging in non-sexual physical affection

Address the "Physical-Emotional Conundrum." Recognize that some people need emotional connection before sex, while others use sex to feel connected. Understand your partner's needs and work together to find a balance that satisfies both of you.

3. Understand and communicate your sexual desires

You're never going to know every single detail of what makes you tick in the bedroom, and that's okay.

Explore your "User Manual." Take time to understand your own sexual preferences, turn-ons, and turn-offs. This self-awareness is crucial for communicating effectively with your partner. Consider:

• Your "sex drive type" (Spontaneous or Responsive)
• Specific actions or situations that put you in the mood (Drive) or take you out of it (Reverse)
• Your preferred "Initiation Style" for sex

Share with your partner. Once you've gained insight into your own desires, communicate them clearly to your partner. Use "I" statements and focus on positive requests rather than complaints. Be open to learning about your partner's desires as well.

4. Prioritize mutual pleasure and orgasm equality

If sex feels one-sided, it's understandable you'd want to withdraw from it.

Close the orgasm gap. In heterosexual relationships, there's often a disparity in orgasm frequency between men and women. Address this by:

• Focusing on clitoral stimulation
• Expanding your definition of "sex" beyond just penetration
• Ensuring both partners have the opportunity to experience pleasure

Provide feedback. Learn to give and receive feedback about what feels good during sex. Use the "Positively Pleasurable Feedback" technique:

• Ground comments in something positive
• Ask for more of what feels good instead of criticizing what doesn't
• Be specific about what you enjoy

Remember that pleasure is subjective and can change over time. Keep the lines of communication open to ensure ongoing mutual satisfaction.

5. Explore new experiences to keep your sex life exciting

The best way to try new things in the bedroom is to make small changes.

Avoid sexual ruts. It's easy to fall into routines, but this can lead to boredom and decreased desire. Combat this by:

• Regularly trying new activities or positions
• Discussing fantasies and curiosities with your partner
• Using tools like the "Yes, No, Maybe" test to identify potential new experiences

Take baby steps. When exploring new territory, start small and build up gradually. This approach helps manage anxiety and allows both partners to feel comfortable. Remember the "First Pancake" rule: the first attempt at something new might be awkward, but that's normal and okay.

6. Develop effective communication strategies for sexual topics

Let me remind you that Xander and I teach sexual communication for a living, and we still get into conflicts about intimacy.

Use "I" language. When discussing sensitive topics, focus on expressing your own feelings and experiences rather than making accusations. For example, say "I feel lonely when we don't have sex" instead of "You never want to have sex with me."

Practice active listening. Really try to understand your partner's perspective, even if you disagree. Repeat back what you've heard to ensure you've understood correctly.

Handle conflicts constructively. When disagreements arise:

• Take breaks if emotions get too intense
• Focus on understanding each other, not winning the argument
• Make a plan for how to handle similar situations in the future

Remember that all couples face challenges in communication. The goal is to work together to improve over time.

7. Make sex a priority through intentional planning

Holding out for spontaneous sex is a way of avoiding responsibility for your sex life.

Schedule intimacy. While it might seem unromantic, planning for sex ensures it doesn't get lost in the busyness of life. Tips for effective planning:

• Use positive language (e.g., "date night" instead of "scheduled sex")
• Agree on an "Easy Win" activity that you're both always willing to do
• Build anticipation throughout the day

Maintain flexibility. Even with planning, be open to adjusting based on how you both feel in the moment. The goal is to create space for intimacy, not to force it.

Ongoing effort is key. Recognize that a great sex life requires continuous attention and effort. Make it a priority to regularly check in with each other about your sexual satisfaction and needs.

By implementing these strategies, couples can create a more fulfilling and sustainable sex life, strengthening their overall relationship in the process.

Last updated: October 5, 2024