Conflicting Internal Narratives About Desire
Desire is an integral part of human nature that can be both positive and negative, depending on the context. It is a feeling that arises from within oneself, driving one to act on it.
This can sometimes lead to conflicting narratives, wherein individuals experience different desires simultaneously. These conflicts can arise due to various reasons, such as societal norms, cultural expectations, personal beliefs, experiences, and more. This article will explore how individuals manage these internal narratives and how they cope with them.
The Conflict
Conflicting internal narratives about desire can create confusion and anxiety in an individual's mind. They may feel torn between their desires and what society expects of them, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, fear, and doubt. This conflict can cause psychological distress and affect their overall wellbeing.
If someone feels drawn to multiple partners but is expected to remain monogamous, or vice versa, it can create a sense of dissonance and emotional turmoil. Similarly, if someone has an interest in BDSM but cannot reconcile it with their religious beliefs, it can become challenging to manage. Such conflicts can also manifest in sexual relationships and create tension and misunderstandings.
Managing the Conflict
Individuals have several ways of managing conflicting internal narratives about desire. The most common approach is rationalization - justifying their actions by providing logical explanations. They may argue that their desires are not immoral or unethical and justify them using scientific evidence or social research. Another way is compartmentalizing - separating their desires into distinct categories and accepting them separately. They may acknowledge that they enjoy both polyamory and monogamy and find a balance that works for them. Some people choose to suppress their desires altogether, denying them any importance or significance.
Coping Strategies
To cope with conflicting internal narratives, individuals may use coping strategies such as meditation, therapy, self-reflection, or journaling. Meditation helps individuals focus on the present moment and accept themselves without judgment. Therapy provides a safe space where one can express their thoughts and feelings freely. Self-reflection allows individuals to examine their beliefs and values and make informed decisions based on them. Journaling is another effective method of processing emotions and exploring different perspectives.
Conflicting internal narratives about desire can be challenging to manage, but there are various approaches that help individuals cope with them. Rationalization, compartmentalization, and suppression are all viable options, but coping strategies like meditation, therapy, and self-reflection provide more holistic solutions.
It depends on individual experiences and preferences which strategy works best for them.
How do individuals manage conflicting internal narratives about desire?
Most people have competing thoughts, ideas, and beliefs about what they want or need in life. These desires can be personal (e. g. , wanting to start a family), professional (e. g. , pursuing a career), or social (e. g. , belonging to a group). The conflict between these narratives occurs when one is desired more than another, causing confusion and doubt about which path to take.