Anger and disrespect will turn off the Intimacy Desire and Sex in a relationship. It’s hard for a woman to want to have sex with a man when he yells at her, puts her down, slams doors, gets drunk etc…

And it’s hard for a man to be intimate and romantic with a woman who constantly criticise him.

A sexless marriage/long term relationship can be plagued with unhealthy behavior such as the above.

So let’s learn more about what works and what does not work… Tip: Respectful communication is key and “Saying it as it is” may not be the most respectful way to deliver a message.

Try being a little less right from time to time 🙂

Sex, intimacy, and desire are three critical elements that make a relationship healthy and fulfilling. While it’s easy to get caught up in the physical act of sex, it’s important to understand that sex is just one part of a larger framework of intimacy that includes emotional connection, trust, and vulnerability. a secure bond between two people. Now let’s explore the role of sex, intimacy, and desire in relationships, and how they can be fostered and maintained.

Sex is an important aspect of a romantic relationship, as it can help to strengthen the emotional bond between partners. Sexual activity releases oxytocin, a hormone that is responsible for feelings of closeness, trust, and attachment. It’s no wonder that couples who have sex regularly tend to report higher levels of satisfaction in their relationships. However, it’s important to note that not all couples have the same sex drive, and that’s perfectly normal. A healthy sex life involves open communication and a willingness to compromise, rather than putting pressure on one partner to conform to the other’s desires.

Check-in… if you are wanting sex more and more and your partner is saying it’s become problematic, you may be using sex for the treatment of anxiety or other mental health issue. You maybe be using sex to “self-sooth.”

Intimacy, on the other hand, goes beyond just physical touch. It’s about feeling emotionally connected to your partner and sharing your thoughts and feelings with them. Intimacy requires vulnerability and trust, and it’s something that needs to be nurtured over time. Couples who are emotionally intimate are better able to weather the ups and downs of life, as they have a strong foundation of trust and communication to fall back on.

Desire is another important aspect of a relationship, as it fuels the sexual spark between partners. Desire can ebb and flow over time, and it’s important to acknowledge that it’s a normal part of the human experience. However, if one partner is consistently feeling a lack of desire, it’s important to address this issue in a compassionate and open way. There are many factors that can impact desire, including stress, health issues, and relationship problems, and it’s important to work through these issues together as a team.

So, how can couples foster sex, intimacy, and desire in their relationships? Here are some tips:

• Make time for each other: In today’s busy world, it’s easy to get caught up in work, kids, and other responsibilities. However, it’s important to make time for each other on a regular basis. This could be as simple as having a weekly date night or carving out some time each day to check in with each other.
• Communicate openly and honestly: Communication is key to any healthy relationship. Make sure to talk openly and honestly about your feelings, desires, and concerns. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need and be willing to listen to your partner’s needs as well.
• Be willing to compromise: As mentioned earlier, not all couples have the same sex drive. It’s important to be willing to compromise and find a middle ground that works for both partners. This could involve experimenting with different sexual activities or finding ways to increase intimacy in other areas of the relationship.
• Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is an important part of maintaining a healthy relationship. This could involve getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.
• Seek help when needed: If you’re struggling with sex, intimacy, or desire in your relationship, don’t be afraid to seek help. This could involve talking to a therapist, a sex therapist, or attending a couples’ retreat.

In conclusion, sex, intimacy, and desire are all critical elements of a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

By fostering open communication, practicing self-care, and being willing to compromise, couples can create a strong foundation of trust and intimacy that will help them weather the ups and downs of life.

Unhealthy behaviours in a relationship can have a significant impact on intimacy, sex, and desire for both men and women. These behaviours can create emotional distance, erode trust, and cause partners to feel unloved or unwanted. Here are some common unhealthy behaviours that can turn off intimacy, sex, and desire:

1. Lack of communication: Communication is key to a healthy relationship. If one or both partners are not willing to communicate their needs, desires, and concerns, it can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Without open and honest communication, it’s difficult to build intimacy and desire in a relationship.
2. Lack of trust: Trust is essential in any relationship. If one partner is constantly questioning the other’s actions or motives, it can erode trust and create distance. Trust can be damaged by lying, cheating, or other forms of deception.
3. Criticism and negativity: Constant criticism or negative comments can create a toxic environment in a relationship. If one partner is always pointing out the other’s flaws, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. This can be a major turn-off for both men and women.
4. Lack of affection: Physical affection, such as hugging, kissing, and cuddling, is an important part of intimacy. If one partner is consistently withholding affection, it can create a sense of emotional distance and cause the other partner to feel unloved or unwanted.
5. Controlling behaviour: such as telling the other partner what to wear, who to hang out with, or how to spend their time, can be a major turn-off. It can create feelings of resentment and cause the other partner to withdraw emotionally.
6. Lack of empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. If one partner is not willing to listen or show empathy when the other is going through a difficult time, it can create emotional distance and erode intimacy.
7. Disrespectful behaviour: such as name-calling, belittling, or mocking, is a major turn-off for both men and women. It can create feelings of hurt and anger and erode intimacy, desire and trust in the relationship.

Unhealthy behaviours in a relationship can turn off intimacy, sex, and desire for both men and women. It’s important to identify and address these behaviours early on to prevent them from causing long-term damage to the relationship. By practicing open communication, showing respect and empathy, and building trust, couples can create a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

One of the biggest issues women raise in their one-on-one sessions with me is their partners use of porn. They tell me they do not feel desired and their partners expectation in the bedroom are unrealistic. They feel sex is an act and they are just a body. Some women have reported they are no longer having sex because of their partners porn use. They feel sad that the connecting and bonding with their partner has diminished. Some women view it as a form of cheating or disrespecting women. NOTE: Expectations move over time in long term relationships, what was acceptable when you were in your 20′ may not work for a couple in their 30’s 40’s and so on.

The use of porn in a relationship can have negative effects on a marriage. While some couples may feel comfortable using porn together or separately, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and to have open communication about it. Here are some of the negative effects that porn use can have on a marriage:

1. Unrealistic expectations: Pornography often portrays unrealistic scenarios and body types that may create unrealistic expectations in a relationship. This can lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction with one’s partner, causing strain in the relationship.
2. Loss of intimacy: Watching porn can become a substitute for physical intimacy, causing a decrease in sexual desire and emotional connection between partners. This can lead to a lack of intimacy in the relationship, which can further erode the bond between partners.
3. Addiction: Pornography can be addictive, causing a partner to prioritise it over other important aspects of their life, including their relationship. This can lead to neglect of the relationship and a loss of trust between partners.
4. Sexual dysfunction: Overuse of pornography has been linked to sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction and difficulty achieving orgasm. This can further exacerbate issues in the relationship and lead to frustration and dissatisfaction for both partners.
5. Objectification: Pornography often objectifies women and can perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes. This can lead to a lack of respect for women in general, which can have negative effects on the relationship and may even lead to infidelity. Note: Sometimes women become mothers and feel very protective over their daughters. Where porn may have been tolerated prior to becoming a mother it may not be tolerated moving forward. Some women take a stronger mature moral standpoint of respect for all women. People change and grow; this subject will need a conversation on expectations.

It’s important to note that the effects of pornography use can vary from couple to couple, and what may be harmful for one relationship may not be for another. However, it’s essential to have open communication about the use of porn in the relationship and to establish clear boundaries and expectations. If one partner feels uncomfortable with porn use, it’s important to respect their feelings and work together to find a solution that works for both partners. Ultimately, maintaining a healthy and fulfilling marriage requires open communication, trust, and mutual respect.