In marriage, it is important to have good communication skills between partners. This includes talking about things that are uncomfortable but necessary, such as sex. When couples are able to talk openly and honestly about their needs and desires regarding sex, they can build a stronger connection that leads to greater happiness in their relationship.
Some people may prefer more subtle forms of communication when discussing this sensitive subject.
Some researchers have suggested that explicit communications may be better for long-term marital satisfaction than implicit ones. Explicit communications involve explicitly stating what you want from your partner during sexual encounters, while implicit communications rely more on nonverbal cues and assumptions.
Someone who explicitly asks for their partner's hand to be placed on their genitals is making an explicit request, while someone who moves their partner's hand there without saying anything is using an implicit form of communication.
According to one study, participants who reported higher levels of explicitness in their sexual communication were more likely to report greater overall marital satisfaction. The authors of the study believe that explicit communication allows both partners to feel heard and understood, which can lead to increased trust and intimacy. In contrast, implicit communication can leave partners feeling confused or unsure about each other's intentions.
Not all studies agree with these findings. Another study found no significant difference in marital satisfaction based on whether couples had explicit or implicit communication patterns. The authors suggest that the results could be due to cultural differences or individual variations within couples.
It's possible that certain types of explicit or implicit communication may work better for different couples depending on their personalities and histories.
There is still much we don't know about how different communication styles impact marriages. More research is needed to understand the complex ways that sex and communication affect relationships over time.
It seems clear that open, honest communication is key to a healthy marriage. Couples should experiment with different forms of communication to see what works best for them. If one partner prefers explicit communication and the other prefers implicit communication, they should try to meet in the middle and find a balance that feels comfortable for both parties.
How do explicit versus implicit sexual communications predict long-term marital satisfaction?
Explicit communication refers to direct and verbal expression of one's thoughts, feelings, and desires while implicit communication involves nonverbal cues such as body language and facial expressions (Brennan & Shaver, 1998). Explicit communication allows couples to openly discuss their sexual needs and preferences whereas implicit communication may lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretation, which can result in dissatisfaction over time (Guerrero et al. , 2017).