Sexual desire, also called libido, is an innate biological need that all humans have, but when it comes to couples in long-term romantic relationships, it often wanes over time. This can be especially true if the couple does not make enough effort to keep their relationship exciting and new.
When emotional love fades away, partners may still experience sexual desire for one another. It may take on a deeper philosophical meaning beyond physical pleasure, becoming more psychological and existential. In this article, we will explore what happens to sexual desire after emotional love declines and how partners understand its meaning.
As people grow older together, they may become less physically attracted to each other due to changes in appearance or lifestyle choices. They may no longer feel as "in love" as they once were, leading to less frequent intimacy. But even without the initial spark, some couples still find themselves wanting to connect sexually. For them, sex becomes a way to express their love for each other in a different way. It becomes a means of exploring their identities and feelings, and rediscovering their connection through touch and sensation.
This shift in focus can also bring up questions about the nature of desire itself. Is sexual desire just a physical reaction or something deeper? Can it transcend physical attraction and become more spiritual or intellectual? What role does it play in our overall happiness and wellbeing? These are questions that partners must grapple with as they navigate the complex landscape of romantic relationships.
To answer these questions, it's important to understand the evolutionary purpose of sexual desire. Evolutionarily speaking, human sexuality serves several functions beyond reproduction: bonding, pleasure-seeking, and status enhancement. Bonding is especially important for humans who live in groups and need social support. Sexual desire helps us form strong connections with our partners, which provides both physical and emotional benefits. Pleasure-seeking is another function of sexual desire - it's a natural drive towards experiencing sensory pleasure. Status enhancement involves gaining recognition from others, often through impressive displays of strength or skill. In long-term relationships, partners may seek sexual satisfaction to affirm their identity and sense of self-worth.
As we age, sexual desire changes in many ways. The hormonal fluctuations associated with aging may affect libido, but so do psychological factors like stress, depression, and anxiety. Partners may feel less confident about their bodies or less interested in experimenting sexually. They may also experience a loss of intimacy due to busy schedules, parental responsibilities, or other life changes.
Some couples find new sources of excitement by exploring different types of sex (such as BDSM or kink) or trying new positions/locations.
Desire can become more symbolic than purely physical over time.
Older partners may use sex as a way to reconnect emotionally after a rough day at work or an argument. They might also see it as a chance to express appreciation for each other's bodies, which have changed in appearance and function. It's a way to remind themselves that they are still desirable and capable of pleasing one another, even if not in the same way as when they first fell in love.
Understanding the meaning behind sexual desire is a complex process. It requires reflection on both personal needs and relationship dynamics. By exploring its evolutionary purpose, couples can appreciate how sexual desire plays into their overall wellbeing and connection.
It provides opportunities for growth and self-discovery, while strengthening their bond through shared experiences.
How do partners understand the philosophical meaning of sexual desire that remains after emotional love declines?
Sexual desire is not something that can be understood by one partner alone. It involves the understanding of both partners about their own and each other's needs, desires, and expectations from sexual interactions. Therefore, it is difficult for them to comprehend its philosophical meaning separately when they have already lost their emotional attachment towards each other. Partners may still find physical intimacy with each other satisfying even if they are no longer emotionally connected.