By KerriAnn McLean

Sex is fundamentally the love, respect and acceptance one has for their partner in a relationship.

Is Sex Important in a Relationship?

Yes, no, maybe… There is no one size fits all answer, as this is incumbent upon a person’s physical desires and beliefs. Many people believe that sex is extremely important because:

• It’s an opportunity to bond with their partner

• An opportunity to show their partner love and affection

• To feel more secure in their relationship if they’re having sex often

• Simply for pleasure and fun

• And especially if they’re trying to become pregnant.

Regular sex can have several benefits for your body, brain and relationship. Always remember your partner’s sexual preference is not a reflection of your own. Give room to their fantasy, but say NO if the requested act is not what you want to do. Physical pleasure is what one looks forward to most, but there are also benefits towards your emotional well-being such as:

• Improvement to your self-confidence

• A connection with your own body in a pleasurable way

• Bonding with your partner, and a way in which you can express love and care for them

• Relieves stress, boost your immune system, a form of light exercise and relieves headaches. (Don’t use these benefits to guilt your partner into sex if they don’t want to!)

Sex Isn’t the Only Form of Intimacy

People often equate sex with intimacy. Though it’s a great form of intimacy, other forms include intimate touches: kissing, massaging, cuddling and holding hands. Beyond physical affection, an honest and vulnerable discussion can be a great form of emotional intimacy.

Sexual Compatibility

It is extremely difficult when one partner has a great libido, while the other does not. A low libido can be caused by stress, relationship difficulties, age, hormonal change, medication, medical conditions, trauma work, kids and life!! Long-term incompatibility may not work out for the relationship. While some people do not mind waiting on their partner’s libido to return, and others don’t mind meeting their partner’s libido, there are still others who prefer to not remain monogamous or to simply leave the relationship for someone who meets their heightened sex drive. 

Why Did the Passion Fade? 

Sometimes we don’t even have time to make time for ourselves. Many long-term couples experience a decline in their sexuality and their levels of desire. Oftentimes, this becomes the focus of fights, leaving partners discouraged. Sex has a huge potential to leave one feeling hurt, embarrassed and rejected. Not everyone needs tons of sex to have a happy and healthy relationship, but some people do. Not wanting sex doesn’t mean there is something wrong with you. What however is important is that there is open communication on sex and romance in the relationship. Discuss these incompatibilities, as there may be a possible solution.

Call us today, we are here to support you!