The idea that society has different expectations for men and women regarding sexual behavior outside of marriage is nothing new.
The question remains whether these differing ideals have any bearing on the quality of married life itself. Previous research suggests that marriages where one partner holds more conservative views about extramarital affairs may be at risk due to potential friction between partners, but what about pre-marital standards regarding sex? This article will explore how pre-marital double standards around sexuality can echo into marital dissatisfaction or misunderstanding through real-life examples.
Pre-marital double standards around sexuality refer to attitudes held by individuals prior to entering into a committed relationship. These beliefs often revolve around ideas like virginity, purity, chastity, propriety, and respectability. The problem arises when couples enter into marriage without discussing their expectations openly beforehand, leading to misunderstandings or conflicts down the road.
If one partner believes it's appropriate to wait until after marriage for sexual intimacy while another doesn't necessarily agree, this could cause tension in the relationship. In some cases, this disconnect could lead to resentment and even infidelity as both parties try to reconcile their different opinions.
Another potential issue is the lack of communication surrounding past relationships. If one partner had multiple partners before getting married while the other only dated casually, this could also create problems later on. Without proper discussion ahead of time, each person might assume their own viewpoints are shared by their spouse, which could result in frustration when they discover otherwise.
Society tends to praise those who remain celibate before marriage while shaming those who engage in premarital sex, potentially creating feelings of guilt or shame that further complicate matters.
Differing views on contraception use can also contribute to marital strife. Some people believe contraceptives are necessary for safe sex outside of marriage but frown upon them within wedlock, while others see no harm in using birth control regardless of context. This disparity between perspectives can cause disagreements over family planning and ultimately impact the couple's ability to conceive children together.
Some religions place restrictions on certain types of sexual behavior (e.g., homosexuality) that may not be fully compatible with a more liberal outlook held by one partner.
These double standards around sex can create challenges for couples trying to start a life together due to unspoken expectations and societal pressures. It's essential for partners to discuss their values and beliefs openly prior to tying the knot so they can come to an understanding before entering into matrimony. By doing so, they will have fewer surprises down the road and a stronger foundation from which to build their relationship.
How do pre-marital double standards around sexuality echo in marital dissatisfaction or misunderstanding?
Research has found that pre-marital double standards regarding sexuality can have significant effects on marriage satisfaction levels, communication patterns, and conflict resolution abilities. Studies show that men who hold more conservative views about sex before marriage tend to be less satisfied with their relationships than those who hold more liberal attitudes towards sex. This is likely due to the fact that they may feel pressure to live up to certain expectations related to gender roles and masculinity, which can create tension and conflict within the relationship.