The script is an unconscious pattern that people follow when they are interacting with others. This pattern includes thoughts, feelings, behaviors, expectations, and beliefs about how to approach and manage relationships. It can be positive or negative, depending on what you were taught from childhood through adulthood. In general, it affects how much power one person has in a relationship and whether or not they feel comfortable expressing their needs or desires. Negative scripts can make it difficult for individuals to communicate openly about their wants and needs, which may lead them to avoid conflict altogether or act aggressively towards each other if something doesn't go right. Positive scripts allow for more open communication and expression of affection between partners without fear of rejection. They encourage respectful behavior as well as compromise during disagreements.
Someone who believes that men should always initiate sex might be hesitant to pursue physical intimacy unless their partner makes the first move or agrees beforehand; while someone else whose sexual script includes enthusiastic consent would never accept being pressured into having sex against their will. These internalized scripts also influence how couples negotiate sexual activity together. If both parties have similar views on sexual scripts (e.g., both believe that women should be dominant), then there will likely be less friction because everyone knows exactly what to expect from each other in bed.
This type of agreement isn't always possible since some people have conflicting ideas about gender roles in bed—for example, a man who thinks his partner should take charge all the time versus a woman who prefers him to follow her lead. To sum up, we can see that our internal sexual scripts shape many aspects of romantic relationships including negotiation strategies.
Further reading:
1) https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-relationships/201704/how-does-your-sexual-script-impact-your-relationship
How do individuals' internal sexual scripts shape their relational negotiation strategies?
Individuals' internal sexual scripts are mental representations of how they expect relationships should unfold sexually. These scripts can be influenced by various factors such as cultural norms, media messages, personal experiences, and gender stereotypes. In turn, these scripts shape how individuals approach relational negotiations, including what they consider acceptable behavior and what they feel comfortable asking for or rejecting.