The idea that men pursue multiple partners for reproduction purposes is well established in evolutionary psychology, but this doesn't necessarily mean women also seek out many mates to increase their reproductive fitness. In fact, most women have higher standards when it comes to choosing partners than men do. Women are more selective because they invest more resources into each child than men do. They also tend to place greater emphasis on non-reproductive traits like personality and social status.
Women face greater risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth, which makes them less likely to engage in risky behaviors like casual sex. This means that women may be less willing to settle for lower quality mates, even if there aren't as many high-quality ones available.
Research suggests that women can still manage their fertility without being extremely promiscuous. One study found that women who had more sexual partners were no more likely to get pregnant or have children than those who had fewer partners. So how do these mismatches in desire play out in real life? How does scarcity alter relational priorities? And how do individuals maintain security during prolonged periods of unmet desires?
One possible explanation is that individuals may prioritize other aspects of a relationship beyond sexual intimacy, such as emotional connection, companionship, and support.
A woman may choose to stay committed to her partner despite not experiencing frequent sexual encounters if she feels emotionally fulfilled by him. Similarly, a man may stay committed to his partner even though he isn't getting enough physical attention because he values the stability and security of the relationship. Individuals may also seek alternative forms of gratification outside of traditional romantic relationships, such as pornography, erotica, or online dating communities. Of course, this doesn't always solve the problem of sexual frustration, but it can help alleviate some of the tension.
Another possibility is that individuals may simply learn to accept the situation and adjust their expectations accordingly. They may come to terms with the fact that they won't find everything they want in one person and focus on what they do have. This can be especially true if they see themselves as having limited options due to factors like geographic location, age, or social status. It can also be helpful to communicate openly about sexual needs and preferences with your partner to ensure you both feel satisfied.
Individuals may try to take control over their own sexual satisfaction by exploring self-pleasure techniques or seeking out non-traditional sources of pleasure, such as BDSM or kink.
Sexual scarcity can create challenges for individuals who desire more frequent sex than their partners are willing or able to provide.
There are several strategies people can use to maintain emotional connection and security during these times. By prioritizing other aspects of a relationship, exploring alternatives, communicating honestly, and taking charge of their own desires, individuals can navigate these situations with relative ease.
The key is finding balance and mutual fulfillment within the constraints of reality.
How does sexual scarcity alter relational priorities, and how do individuals maintain security during prolonged mismatches in desire?
According to research on relationships, there is a strong correlation between sexual satisfaction and relationship stability (Peterson & Valerie, 2018). When partners experience sexual scarcity within their relationship, they may become dissatisfied with their romantic connection and feel less secure about the future of the relationship (Brotto et al. , 2016; Peterson & Valerie, 2018).