Empower your relationship
A Sexy Series: Part Two- How to Negotiate Sex
Many people feel like when it comes to the question of "sex?" the answers are "yes" and "no." But the truth is that there are lots of options along the continuum and a savvy sex partner will be aware of those choices and know how to negotiate with them.
Part One of this series took a quick overview of topics clients frequently discuss in counseling regarding sex. In today's post, we will look at a few suggestions for negotiating sex that can help increase satisfaction with that component of your relationship. After all, if the sexual aspect of your relationship is on point, it's a good indication that the other aspects of your life together are rocking and rolling, too.
Rules for Negotiating Sex
Never give a "no" without providing an alternative solution.
This seems easy but it goes a long way for reducing the sting of being turned down. "I'm not really feeling up for it right now but how about before work in the morning?" No one likes to be turned down, but if the answer is essentially, "yes but not right now," then it keeps hurt feelings or resentments at bay.
One says "when," one says "what."
This idea came from a book I like to recommend frequently to clients. What I like about this suggestion is that it gives everyone a voice in the process. Example: Person A says, "I'd like to connect physically after we get done watching this show." Person B gets to say, "Awesome! I could be up for _______________."
Initiate sometimes.
If this is an issue for you, and there is a big discrepancy of how often you each initiate, my advice would be to just pick a ratio that is better than you're doing now, and stick with it. If he initiates three times in a row, you initiate once. Or something to that end. No rules here...just looking for improvement.
If you're a woman, don't initiate all the time...most men find that emasculating. If you currently initiate all of the time, hold back on that and let him initiate. I know...I know. You're thinking, "if I quit initiating, we will NEVER have sex." Just trust me here...it may take longer than you want, but it'll be a positive move for the power structure of your relationship. If this continues to be an issue, let's talk about it.
If you NEVER initiate, I realize that it'll feel like a BIG step to do so. But...generally speaking, this is the type of risk with immediate positive results!
Broaden the smorgasbord of options.
I believe that there are a LOT of options along the continuum of healthy and holy physical intimacy choices between spouses. We do our relationships a disservice to limit physical intimacy to one or two options. Think in terms of amount of involvement. I could get a lot more specific, but for the purposes of this blog, I'll just leave it here. This approach is especially helpful in instances like pregnancy or as we age and begin dealing with physical limitations and hormonal changes.
I hope these negotiating tips can serve to spark in you some ideas on how you can answer the "sex?" question with more than just two choices. Next time you feel a "no" bubbling up within you, consider one of these options so that you can move from a "lose/lose" to a "lose/win" with your mate. You'll both be glad you did!
As always, if you'd like to discuss this topic or any other with me in counseling in Walker or Baton Rouge, this is how to get ahold of me.
Check back soon! Next post we will look at reasons for low sex drive. Feel free to "subscribe" to posts if you don't want to miss a blog from your favorite therapist. ;)