How to Have the Sex Talk With Your Partner Nurturing a Productive and Enlivening Dialogue
A variety of issues can cause distress, including problems with sex and sexual satisfaction. Even though this can be a common problem among married couples, having sex talk with your partner can be daunting. It may even seem easier to talk to a stranger online about what you're experiencing than to discuss it with your partner—which may explain why the topic of sex is so commonly discussed in online relationship forums.
These conversations can bring up a lot of anxiety, which can then cause you to avoid having them altogether. Know that there are some strategies to make these tasks easier, and you're likely to find it worth the effort.
Reasons to Have a Sex Talk
If you're experiencing issues with your sex life, you may want to consider having a sex talk with your partner. Research has found that couples who have strong sexual communication are more satisfied with their sex lives.
Open communication can lead to greater feelings of intimacy and a stronger relationship (and it's important to note that in general, talking honestly with your partner may increase your overall satisfaction.
Some reasons to have a sex talk with your partner could include:
Lack of sexual satisfaction
Desire to try something new
Sexual dysfunction
Change in libido
Lack of intimacy or need for more affection
Feelings of sexual rejection or always having to initiate sex
Family planning
When to Talk About Sex
There is a time and place to discuss sex with your partner. Waiting for the right moment to address the topic can help you get around some of those feelings of discomfort or awkwardness that can be common during sex talks. You should also:
Pick a neutral location. Do not talk about sexual problems in your bedroom or at bedtime. Pick a more "neutral" location. Make sure the kids are not in earshot!
Avoid post-sex talks. Do not talk about sex right after having sex. Again, pick a more "neutral" time.
Avoid blindsiding your partner. If you want to talk about sexual problems, let your partner know (without placing blame) that you think the two of you need to have a talk about your sexual intimacy. Set up a time to have the talk.
How to Talk About Sex
There are some steps you can take to help make conversations about sex easier for both of you.
Have a "soft start" to the conversation. Begin with your goal to feel closer and connected with your spouse. Avoid blaming. Skip criticisms and focus on things you can both do to make your sex life more fulfilling.
Focus on Intimacy
Remember that affection and intimacy are just as important as the frequency of sex. There are ways to build intimacy and feel more connected beyond intercourse, so be sure to talk about your needs for other types of affection as well.
Skip the Surprises
You must be both on the same page, so you should always initiate those conversations first before springing any surprises on your partner. Talk about what you both might enjoy and fantasies you might have. If you do decide to introduce some of these into your relationship, research your options together.
If you do not want to create more problems in your sex life, don't purchase any sex advice books or sex toys without discussing the issue with your spouse first.
Express Yourself
Talk with one another about your expectations, your fears, your desires, and your concerns—and be honest. It is critical to talk about your innermost feelings about this.
Do not be afraid to talk about what you like sexually and what you don't like. Your comfort level is an important part of having a satisfying sex life.
Talk Often
Realize that you may need to have a few conversations and not just one long conversation. This is not a one-time conversation; it should be an ongoing discussion and a normal part of your relationship.
Talking to Your Husband or Wife About Difficult Topics
Know Your Sexual Style
Knowing your "sexual style" can help you better understand which forms of intimacy you find the most satisfying—and the same rings true for your partner. Explore your sexual styles with one another. All couples have these styles or moods at some point in time during their married lives:
Spiritual: This is a union of mind, body, and soul that reflects your deep appreciation of being with one another. It can be created by noticing the small moments in your life.
Funny: This style is when you can laugh and tease one another in bed. It's about having fun together. There is a light and playful undertone.
Angry: This is making love even when you're ticked off at each other. This style can be healing. However, be sure that your problems are eventually talked about and resolved.
Lusty: This style is wicked and flirty. You may be giving each other seductive looks or doing a "quickie." This is also about the joy of having sex just for the sake of sex.
Tender: This style is the gentle, romantic, healing sex that involves massages, light touches, and ministering to one another. You both are into the sensations of sex and focus on giving each other pleasure.
Fantasy: The fantasy style is a collaboration between the two of you to be daring and to experiment a bit. Be careful about sharing your personal sexual fantasies with one another. If you do decide to share your fantasies with your spouse, the two of you need to set guidelines and honour each other's limits.
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