Sexuality is often associated with personal feelings, attitudes, and behaviors that are influenced by social norms. Performing sexuality means acting out these behaviors to satisfy others' expectations or desires rather than being true to oneself. This practice may lead to several consequences for an individual's self-esteem, relational satisfaction, authenticity, and moral awareness.
Self-Esteem: Individuals who perform their sexuality for social approval may feel pressured to meet unrealistic standards and may experience low self-esteem.
They might feel ashamed if they do not live up to societal expectations regarding gender roles or body image. They may also feel inadequate due to the lack of control they have over their sexual behavior.
Relational Satisfaction: Performing sexuality can negatively impact relationships because it involves hiding genuine feelings and desires. Partners may resent this dishonesty, leading to conflict and reduced satisfaction.
Individuals may become disconnected from themselves and others when they prioritize performance over intimacy.
Authenticity: When individuals act out their sexuality, they compromise their authentic selves. They may lose touch with their innermost thoughts, feelings, and values. This leads to a sense of inauthenticity, which can be emotionally draining.
This can result in a loss of identity and purpose.
Moral Awareness: Performing sexuality can make it challenging to discern right from wrong, as individuals may view their actions through a lens of pleasing others rather than considering personal ethics.
Some people may engage in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex or extramarital affairs to keep partners satisfied without considering the potential consequences.
Performing sexuality for social approval is detrimental to an individual's wellbeing. It undermines self-esteem, relational satisfaction, authenticity, and moral awareness. Individuals should strive to express their true selves honestly and authentically, both within and outside the bedroom.
How does performing sexuality for social approval affect self-esteem, relational satisfaction, authenticity, and moral awareness?
Performing sexuality for social approval can negatively impact an individual's self-esteem, relational satisfaction, authenticity, and moral awareness. This phenomenon is characterized by feelings of anxiety, confusion, shame, dissonance, and distress as individuals strive to conform to societal expectations while simultaneously engaging in behavior that contradicts their internal values or identity.