Sex and physical intimacy in a committed relationship is a critical part of staying connected and will help you keep love alive. You gain an important factor of resiliency in your marriage or committed relationship when you consciously attend to your sex life. Research of long-term, married couples tells us that having mutually satisfying sex and affection in your relationship can be a natural guard against marriage-predators like divorce, affairs or marital apathy.

We know that special brain chemicals responsible for emotional bonding get released through physical touch and sex specifically. It's even more important to know that a disappointing sex life has a disproportionately negative effect on relationships compared to the positive effects of a good sex life.

Don't wait to take action if you know that you or your partner feel disconnected about sex.

Little Changes Go a Long Way

I have learned that many sexual issues can be addressed with relatively simple changes without exclusively doing sex therapy. I will tell you if I think that your issue requires more intensive work of a sex therapist and I can refer you to many competent sex therapists in the Washington, DC area.

All couples eventually encounter differences in sexual style and desire. How you react to these differences, individually and as a couple, seems to determine how satisfying your sex life will be and whether your differences will turn into difficulty.  

You may want to consider a consultation that includes your sexual relationship if:

·         You can't have the sex you want with your partner due to physical or other issues and want to protect your relationship from problems that can develop.

·         You have sex less than twice per month (clinically considered a sexless relationship) and want to know how to improve this.

·         You want to be more sexually compatible with your partner

·         The differences you have with your partner in sexual desire cause conflict or concern

·         You find it difficult or awkward to talk to your partner about your sexual wishes or concerns

·         You avoid sex or discussion about sex with your partner.

·         The sexual part of your relationship is your primary focus and this causes you or your partner distress.

·         You or your partner thinks you are addicted to sex

·         You think you are good companions but want to also become better erotic partners

·         You think you are good erotic partners but also want to become better companions

·         You don't want resentment about infidelity or desire differences to be a roadblock to intimacy

·         You are critical of your partner's sexuality and blame him/her for your sexual disconnection

·         You want to know more about your sexuality without feeling guilt or shame

·         You want to have greater flexibility in your relationship so that you know how to express both erotic (sexual) love and agape (companionate love)

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