Sexual connection refers to an emotional bond between people that includes physical and sensual attraction, sharing of personal feelings, trust, respect, affection, and attachment. Sexual connections can vary from casual flirting and one-night stands to long-term committed relationships such as marriage. The concept of exclusivity is important in these bonds because it helps define the limits within which individuals interact with each other physically, psychologically, and socially.
When individuals establish intimate ties, they tend to redefine their social boundaries regarding who is allowed into their lives. This essay explores how sex creates group boundaries and inclusion criteria based on three aspects: intimacy, secrecy, and identity.
Intimate relationships alter social boundaries through creating exclusive groups. When two people are emotionally attached to each other, they become a closed unit where they share private thoughts, desires, secrets, and experiences. This intimate closeness excludes others from their daily life, and this exclusivity is necessary for maintaining the relationship's integrity and healthiness. It also means that individuals do not need to worry about being judged or evaluated by external parties, resulting in freedom and flexibility in expressing themselves without fear of being criticized or misunderstood. Consequently, sexual connections create groups around them, whether implicit or explicit.
Married couples form a family unit that excludes outsiders due to its exclusive nature. Similarly, close friends may exclude others from spending time together for fear of jealousy, competition, or rivalry.
Intimacy creates a sense of privacy or secrecy between partners, implying that information must be kept confidential. In most cases, secrecy is vital for preserving the connection's strength and intensity. As a result, some individuals might feel threatened if others know too much about their personal life, including their partner, leading to feelings of distrust and uncertainty. The level of secrecy varies depending on the type of bond; it could be total disclosure in an open marriage or partial disclosure in monogamy. Secrecy can lead to the formation of small groups within larger communities, such as a couple's social circle of mutual acquaintances. This group can function as a safe space for sharing ideas and opinions while excluding those who are not part of it.
Intimacy shapes one's identity since individuals tend to prioritize their partners over others when they establish emotional bonds. People usually change their behavior, appearance, hobbies, interests, values, beliefs, and even habits to fit into their partner's preferences, creating a new identity built upon the shared connection. Some people go further and become submissive to their partner's will, resulting in complete dependence and loss of independence.
This self-sacrifice can create intense feelings of belonging and satisfaction that reinforce the relationship. Consequently, sexual connections create inclusion criteria based on commonality and similarity with their partner, making them belong to different groups or subcultures than before.
Two people may start going to concerts, exhibitions, and other activities that were previously unknown to them due to their newfound closeness.
Sexual connections have a significant impact on group boundaries and inclusion criteria by changing one's attitude towards themselves and others. Intimate relationships exclude outsiders from the private sphere, forcing individuals to form exclusive circles.
Secrecy is necessary for keeping the connection strong, which leads to the formation of smaller groups within larger communities.
Intimacy shapes an individual's sense of identity, leading them to adopt behaviors and attitudes similar to their partner. These three aspects work together to define social boundaries and inclusion criteria, altering how individuals interact with each other and the world around them.
How do sexual connections alter group boundaries and inclusion criteria?
Sexual connections have the potential to alter group boundaries and inclusion criteria due to their personal nature. The act of sex is highly intimate, and it creates strong bonds between individuals that can lead to exclusive relationships. These connections can create new social circles and influence existing ones, leading to changes in how people interact with each other and form groups.