Sexual dysfunctions are common among both men and women. They affect up to 42% of adults globally and have several causes, including physical, psychological, and social factors. Couples may experience periods of sexual dysfunction due to stress, illness, medication side effects, trauma, age, or other reasons. These periods can be frustrating and challenging for couples who struggle to maintain emotional connection during them.
There are ways to strengthen the bond between partners while abstaining from sex.
One way is to engage in non-sexual touching, such as holding hands, hugging, cuddling, or massaging. This helps build trust and intimacy, which can enhance closeness even when sexual activities are limited. Couples can also communicate openly about their feelings and needs regarding abstinence, which can help alleviate anxiety and improve understanding.
Another approach is to focus on other forms of intimacy, such as sharing thoughts, experiences, interests, hopes, dreams, fears, values, beliefs, vulnerabilities, insecurities, desires, disappointments, successes, failures, struggles, triumphs, aspirations, worries, and emotions. This allows couples to connect emotionally and strengthen their relationship beyond sexuality. It also creates a safe space where partners feel heard, understood, supported, valued, and loved.
Couples can practice self-care together by going out, spending time alone, taking walks, watching movies, reading books, playing games, cooking, exercising, meditating, praying, or doing anything that brings joy and relaxation. They can explore new interests, try adventurous activities, learn something new, pursue passions, set goals, or volunteer in community projects. These actions foster positive energy, creativity, growth, connection, gratitude, appreciation, and hope.
Maintaining emotional connection during periods of sexual dysfunction or abstinence requires effort and commitment from both partners. Non-sexual touch, communication, and self-care practices can keep the bond strong, while non-sexual intimacy deepens it beyond physical acts. By focusing on each other's wellbeing, couples can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger than ever before.
How do couples maintain emotional connection during periods of sexual dysfunction or abstinence?
Couples who want to maintain their emotional bond while experiencing sexual difficulties should work on keeping lines of communication open, practicing intimacy outside of sex, expressing gratitude for each other's efforts and commitment to the relationship, seeking professional help when needed, reframing negative thoughts about sex as opportunities for growth and learning, and exploring alternative forms of physical closeness.