Sexual desire is a significant component of romantic relationships that influences their stability, wellbeing, and longevity.
It can also experience fluctuations for various reasons, including age, stress, health problems, or lifestyle changes. These changes can have a profound impact on both individuals involved in the relationship. Partners may feel frustrated, depressed, anxious, angry, guilty, insecure, ashamed, or rejected due to these declines. This article will explore how partners make sense of such emotional consequences, and what they can do about them.
How do partners make sense of the emotional consequences associated with long-term declines in sexual desire?
Reasons for decline in sexual desire
The reduction in sexual interest can occur for many different reasons. Some common causes are aging, physical or mental illnesses, medication side effects, hormonal imbalances, and relationship issues. Age is one of the most frequent factors affecting sexual drive because it causes physiological, psychological, and social changes. Physical changes include reduced testosterone levels, slower metabolism, lower energy levels, and decreased libido. Psychological shifts involve changes in self-image and body image. Social issues relate to the loss of youthful vigor and attractiveness and the impact of other life events. The emotional responses to these changes vary between individuals. While some people accept them as normal, others find them distressing or embarrassing.
Emotional reactions
Partners experiencing declining sex drives may react emotionally in several ways. Anxiety is a common reaction that results from fears of losing their partner's love or attention if they no longer meet their needs or expectations. Feelings of sadness and disappointment also arise when they cannot satisfy each other. Partners may blame themselves for not being able to perform sexually, which leads to shame and guilt. They may feel rejected or unattractive, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. These emotions can cause tension in the relationship, resulting in arguments, withdrawal, or avoidance. The lack of intimacy can lead to a sense of disconnection and loss of closeness. All these negative emotions have a significant impact on partners' overall wellbeing and relationships.
Coping strategies
To deal with the emotional consequences of diminished sexual desire, partners must work together to develop coping mechanisms. Firstly, they should acknowledge and validate each other's emotions and experiences. This step involves understanding each other's perspective, recognizing the source of the problem, and accepting it as part of the aging process or medical condition. Secondly, they should discuss openly and honestly about how they feel and what they need to do. This approach helps couples establish trust, improve communication, and foster intimacy. Thirdly, they can explore alternative means of expression and affection, such as cuddling, massages, kissing, or non-sexual touch.
They could seek professional help to address underlying issues contributing to the decline in sexual interest, such as medication side effects, hormonal imbalances, or mental health problems.
How do partners make sense of the emotional consequences associated with long-term declines in sexual desire?
The process by which people cope with reduced sexual interest varies widely depending on numerous factors such as age, gender, relationship type, social environment, cultural background, personal history, and personality traits (Bancroft et al. , 2015). In particular, some individuals may deny or minimize their feelings, while others might try to address them openly and work together with their partner to improve the situation.