It can be tempting to think that if you and your partner share deep emotional bonds, then meeting each other's sexual desires isn't an essential part of maintaining the relationship.
Research shows that ignoring one another's physical needs can have negative effects on both partners. In fact, studies suggest that couples who have healthy sexual lives experience increased levels of satisfaction, closeness, and communication compared to those who don't.
Neglecting sexual needs can lead to decreased desire and interest in sex. If you and your partner feel unfulfilled physically, it may become more difficult to stay connected emotionally. When people stop feeling desired, they often start to question their self-worth and doubt their ability to meet their partner's needs. This can cause resentment and distance between partners, leading to further problems down the road.
Another risk is that ignoring sexual needs can lead to sexual dysfunction or performance anxiety. This problem can stem from stress or feelings of guilt associated with the lack of attention given to intimacy.
Men who have erectile dysfunction may worry about disappointing their partner, which can lead to increased anxiety and reduced arousal.
Neglecting sexual needs can increase the likelihood of extramarital affairs or infidelity. When a couple feels unsatisfied, they may seek fulfillment elsewhere, which can damage trust and the stability of the relationship. Even when there are no physical acts involved, emotional affairs can still be damaging because they signal a loss of commitment and loyalty.
Not meeting each other's sexual needs can ultimately harm the relationship. Without the necessary communication and intimacy, it becomes harder for partners to share their thoughts and feelings openly, creating distance and potentially leading to the end of the relationship. In fact, research suggests that couples who engage in frequent, high-quality sex report higher levels of happiness and satisfaction than those who don't.
To avoid these risks, couples should make time for regular, scheduled sex dates. It's also important to talk honestly about what you want from your partner and listen closely to their desires as well. By taking care of your own and your partner's sexual needs, you can create a stronger bond based on mutual respect and understanding.
What are the relational risks of neglecting sexual needs even when emotional intimacy is strong?
One possible risk of neglecting sexual needs in a relationship with strong emotional intimacy can be that it can lead to dissatisfaction and disconnection between partners. This can happen for various reasons such as decreased motivation to please each other sexually, feeling unattractive, resentment towards one another, and lack of communication about desires and boundaries.