Anticipation of Sexual Novelty
Humans are creatures of habit. We love routine. It's familiar. It's comfortable. It makes us feel safe.
When it comes to sex, the brain is programmed for variety. As we have discussed before, sexual attraction and arousal depend upon novelty.
When we see or experience something new and exciting, the mind releases dopamine and norepinephrine to create feelings of excitement and pleasure, stimulating the brain's reward center. This anticipation of novelty heightens emotional and physical arousal. Our brains associate novelty with exploration and discovery, both innate human qualities that produce positive feedback.
Let's explore how this works physiologically. The body responds to novel situations by releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones prepare the body for action, elevating blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and energy levels. They also trigger the release of testosterone and estrogen, which increase libido and sexual sensitivity.
The brain sends signals to the hypothalamus, which produces oxytocin, a bonding hormone that promotes intimacy and trust in relationships. Oxytocin helps calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety during stressful situations. It creates an overall sense of well-being, increasing our comfort level in unfamiliar environments.
The more novel a sexual situation appears to be, the greater the effect on the body. Novelty sparks our desire for connection and adventure, creating a cycle of increased excitement and satisfaction. But what happens when that initial thrill wears off?
Anticipation Fatigue
Too much novelty can have negative effects on sexual performance. When something is new or exciting, the body releases high levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, giving us an immediate rush of pleasure.
The body becomes desensitized to these stimuli and requires higher doses of the chemicals to achieve the same response. This phenomenon is known as anticipation fatigue.
Anticipation fatigue occurs when we become accustomed to something new and are no longer excited by it. We need more novelty to feel aroused again. The solution is to switch up your partner's routine. Introduce different positions, toys, locations, or times of day to keep things fresh and engaging.
One way to do this is through roleplaying games. Roleplaying allows couples to explore new identities and scenarios without actually changing their relationship dynamics. It also provides a safe space for trying out new behaviors without judgment or pressure.
Another approach is to incorporate eroticism into everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, or working. By finding ways to spice up ordinary tasks, you create new experiences that stimulate novelty and keep relationships vibrant.
Don't forget about foreplay. Foreplay is often overlooked in today's busy world, but it's essential for creating a sense of novelty and intimacy before sex. Taking the time to tease, touch, and build anticipation helps couples connect emotionally and physically, leading to more fulfilling encounters.
Sexual attraction is linked to novelty because our brains are wired to seek out new experiences. When we introduce variety into our lives, whether through roleplaying, eroticism, or foreplay, we create a cycle of excitement and satisfaction that keeps our bodies and minds engaged.
Too much novelty can lead to fatigue, so remember to balance newness with familiarity and intimacy for long-term fulfillment.
How does anticipation of sexual novelty heighten emotional and physical arousal?
Psychologists have found that there are several ways in which anticipating new sexual experiences can enhance physical and emotional arousal. One study found that people who were shown images of an erotic scene before viewing pornography reported more intense arousal than those who viewed it directly (Smith & Kring, 2015). This suggests that creating a sense of anticipation by setting the stage with foreplay can increase excitement.