The act of seeking to fulfill one's needs through another person is called dependency, and it can lead to sexual compromises that are difficult to break. Dependency in any relationship can lead to feelings of vulnerability and fear of rejection, making individuals more likely to compromise their desires for the sake of keeping the relationship healthy. This cycle of sexual compromise can be hard to break because people may become attached to the idea that they must please their partner to keep them happy.
This approach to sexuality is often unsustainable and can lead to resentment and unhappiness.
One reason why dependency sustains cycles of excessive sexual compromise is that it creates an imbalance of power between partners. When one person becomes dependent on another, they may feel like they have less control over their own wants and needs. This can lead to sexual compromises, such as agreeing to activities that make them uncomfortable or ignoring red flags about unsafe behaviors.
Being too reliant on someone else for emotional support can prevent individuals from exploring their own sexuality and developing a deeper understanding of what they want.
Another reason why dependency perpetuates these cycles is that it makes individuals afraid to speak up about their desires. People who depend on others for validation may worry that expressing their desires will upset their partner or lead to conflict. They may also believe that they need to put their partner's desires above their own to maintain the relationship. This can result in situations where both parties are unhappy with the sex they are having but remain silent out of fear of ruining the relationship.
To avoid falling into patterns of sexual compromise due to dependency, individuals should work to cultivate independence and self-confidence. Building a strong sense of identity outside of relationships can help individuals set boundaries and communicate more effectively within them. It is also important to prioritize communication with partners and be honest about what each person wants and needs. By working together to create healthy boundaries and expectations, couples can avoid the trap of excessive sexual compromise.
How does dependency sustain cycles of excessive sexual compromise?
Excessive sexual compromise can be understood as an act where one individual exchanges sex for some sort of material or social benefit. This means that this type of relationship is often based on transactional interactions which are detrimental to both parties involved. When such relationships become regular, individuals develop a sense of security around them because they feel like their needs will be met even if they engage in undesired behavior.