Sexual relationships are one of the most important aspects of human life that often come with a lot of emotional baggage. In many cases, people enter into these relationships to fulfill their desires, needs, and wants.
It is not uncommon for such relationships to create an array of problems rather than solving them. While some may argue that sex can relieve stress and boost happiness, others suggest that it intensifies hidden conflicts, rivalry, or interpersonal tension.
When people get involved in a romantic relationship, they tend to let down their guards and become vulnerable to each other. They allow their partners to see the real them without any pretense. This means that issues that would have been hidden if there was no relationship will come out during the course of time.
When someone has feelings of jealousy towards his/her partner's success, the issue might be ignored until the person becomes a threat to him/herself.
Once in a sexual relationship, this feeling tends to come out, which causes friction. It could even lead to cheating as the affected party tries to satisfy their needs elsewhere.
Another way through which sexual relationships intensify hidden conflicts, rivalry or interpersonal tension is by stirring up old memories. When two people who had past relationships come together again, the pain from previous failures is revived. Sometimes, one partner may feel neglected or rejected, triggering feelings of rejection. Other times, people may use such relationships to replace those that were broken off before. These factors might cause conflict between the parties.
Sexual relationships often bring out insecurities. People usually feel insecure about themselves because of their looks, behavior, intelligence, career, and so on. In a relationship where they are intimate with another person, these insecurities become worse. There is always a fear of being judged by the partner, thus creating an atmosphere of insecurity. Such an environment can lead to fights over things that should not be brought into the bedroom.
Sexual relationships are known to make people feel possessive. The need for exclusivity makes them want to own each other, something that leads to clashes.
If one partner is unwilling to engage in activities that the other considers normal, it creates tension and rivalry between the two. Sexual partners also tend to compare themselves with others, leading to conflicts.
The effects of sexual relationships on hidden conflicts, rivalry, or interpersonal tensions are evident in cases of rape and assault. Victims of such crimes are often traumatized emotionally and sexually. This situation causes psychological distress and affects other areas of life. It is worth mentioning that some victims do not report such cases due to stigma and fear. As much as these incidences happen outside sexual relationships, sexual abuse makes them more intense.
While many believe that sexual relationships relieve stress and boost happiness, they may intensify hidden conflicts, rivalry, or interpersonal tensions. Some people find solace in getting involved in romantic relationships to avoid problems rather than solving them.
This approach only worsens the issue. The best thing to do is to face problems head-on before getting involved in any relationship.
To what degree do sexual relationships intensify hidden conflicts, rivalry, or interpersonal tension?
Many studies have demonstrated that sexual intimacy can lead to an increase in social closeness between partners while also serving as a potential source of conflict. Sexual attraction is often accompanied by complex feelings and desires that may not align with each other perfectly, leading to disagreements and tensions. Additionally, cultural norms and expectations surrounding sex may create further challenges for individuals who struggle with communicating their needs openly and honestly with one another.