Strategies for Maintaining Sexual Intimacy During Physical Separation
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many couples into prolonged periods of physical separation, leading to challenges in maintaining sexual intimacy. In response, some couples have turned to various strategies to keep their relationships strong, including phone/video calls, sexting, and virtual dates. These strategies can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and disconnection while also providing opportunities for sexual exploration and adventure.
The effectiveness of these strategies may vary depending on the couple's communication style and level of relational closeness before the separation.
Phone/Video Calls
Phone and video calls are one of the most common ways that couples stay connected during separation. They provide an opportunity for casual conversation, emotional support, and even sexual interaction.
Partners can share fantasies or engage in roleplaying scenarios via phone or video call, creating a sense of intimacy despite being physically apart.
Some studies suggest that phone/video calls may not be as effective as in-person interactions in terms of building relational closeness.
Sexting
Sexting is another strategy that couples use to maintain sexual intimacy during separation. This involves sending sexually explicit messages or images over text or messaging apps. While sexting can create excitement and anticipation, it may also lead to negative outcomes such as jealousy or feelings of inadequacy if one partner feels they cannot compete with the other's sexts.
Sexting may cause distrust if partners feel like their relationship is based solely on physical attraction rather than deeper connection.
Virtual Dates
Virtual dating involves scheduling regular online meetings where partners can talk, laugh, and even participate in sexual activities together. Some virtual dates involve games, trivia nights, or cooking classes while others focus on discussions about relationships, goals, and desires. Virtual dates can help couples explore new things together and reconnect emotionally, but they require active participation and planning.
Other Strategies
Other strategies that couples use include sharing erotic stories, sending surprise gifts or notes, and scheduling regular visits or vacations once it becomes safe to do so. Each couple will need to find what works best for them, considering their communication style, level of trust, and relationship history.
Successful strategies for maintaining sexual intimacy during prolonged separation depend on open communication, flexibility, and willingness to try new things.
What strategies do couples use to maintain sexual intimacy during prolonged periods of physical separation, and how do these strategies affect relational closeness?
Couples who want to maintain their sexual intimacy when physically separated can employ various strategies such as sharing explicit pictures and videos, sending flirty messages, engaging in phone sex, and using long-distance devices like vibrators and strokers. These strategies can help maintain sexual connection between partners but may not necessarily translate into increased relational closeness due to the limitations of technology and the lack of physical contact.