The importance of trusting someone can greatly influence our overall wellbeing, but it is especially crucial for those who are feeling anxious about their next sexual encounter. Research suggests that when people experience sexual anxiety, they may feel unsure of themselves, self-conscious, and even embarrassed. This sense of unease and discomfort can make it difficult to enjoy sex, leading some individuals to avoid sex altogether.
There is hope. One solution to this problem could be to find someone you admire, respect, and believe is reliable. In other words, seeking out an individual who inspires trust through their actions and words might help reduce your own sexual anxiety.
To understand why this strategy works so well, let's consider how trust influences sexual desire. When we trust someone, we feel more comfortable opening up to them emotionally and physically, which leads to increased feelings of intimacy and arousal. We become less concerned about what they think or say and instead focus on enjoying ourselves. By contrast, when we don't trust someone, we may worry about being judged, rejected, or ridiculed, which diminishes our ability to relax and fully engage in the moment. Trust also helps create a safe space where communication is easier and riskier behaviors (such as trying new positions) are more likely to occur. Therefore, if someone has earned our trust, then our sexual experiences are likely to be more satisfying and fulfilling.
But how do we build trust? Well, many factors play a role in building trust, including consistency, honesty, reliability, and dependability. These traits show us that we can count on someone else to act in predictable ways and fulfill their promises. They also indicate that this person values us enough to put effort into maintaining their word and treating us with respect. As such, finding someone you admire for these qualities can make you feel more secure and confident during sex.
Of course, not everyone will fit all of these criteria, but some people will come closer than others. Someone who shows consistent commitment to their partner (even through difficult times), speaks honestly about their desires and expectations, and follows through on their commitments is likely to inspire feelings of trustworthiness. The key is to find someone whose actions match their words, and vice versa. You might start by asking yourself: "Does this person demonstrate reliability?" If so, then consider spending more time together to see if your admiration deepens over time.
Remember, though, that admiring someone's reliability does not mean they must be perfect or never make mistakes. Everyone messes up sometimes! Instead, look for evidence that they take responsibility for their actions, apologize when necessary, and continue to work towards bettering themselves. This way, even small acts of reliability can accumulate over time and build strong foundations for intimacy.
Seeking out someone you admire and believe is reliable may help reduce sexual anxiety by creating a sense of safety and comfort. By building trust through honesty, communication, and dependability, individuals can overcome their fears and fully engage in pleasurable sexual experiences.
What role does admiration of reliability reduce sexual anxiety?
In many studies on social anxiety, it has been found that people who are anxious about their appearance tend to have more negative self-esteem and lower levels of self-confidence compared to non-anxious individuals (Lewis & Jette, 2015; Rapee et al. , 2014). One factor that may play an important role in reducing social anxiety is admiration for others' reliability.