As human beings it is normal and healthy to want to be part of a relationship. Society can sometimes seem to be geared toward couples, leaving us feeling isolated, lonely or even flawed, if we are not romantically involved with someone we care about. Dating can be a frustrating and confusing experience. The ending of relationships can be painful, and sometimes we struggle to move past a break-up. It can be demoralizing when love is not bringing you the happiness you’d longed for. The quality of our intimate relationships is one of the best predictors of our longevity and happiness. It is normal to take things personally and internalize rejection when things don’t work out. Our self-esteem and sense of self-worth can be impacted, leading to depression and anxiety.
Couples often struggle to find a mutually satisfying sexual relationship. One or both partners may have been impacted by infidelity, sexual addiction or sexual abuse; or the couple is just not connecting emotionally.
There is much confusion about healthy sexuality and partners often feel frustrated or uncertain about what they want, what they think they should want, and what they don’t want and why. It is a significant part of our relationships. The feelings are powerful, and because sexuality is such a vulnerable place, it affects our ability to connect when things are not right.
