The mechanics of “having sex” are fairly simple, but really “making love” and developing a good intimate relationship takes some time and effort. Movies, pornography and other media tell us that sex is–or should be–easy, which is a set up for problems in a real relationship. For those who have ingested pornography, it’s difficult to have a healthy and accurate perspective of sexuality, and to separate fantasy from reality.
Now that I am pretty heavy into counseling and therapy in my practice I am finding it difficult to find enough time to help everyone that is requesting my services. In addition, there are some who may not be able to afford counseling or who have spouses that won’t talk to anyone about it…at least at this point.
So, the purpose of this post is to provide some first steps for individuals or couples while they are waiting for additional help (particularly those on my current waiting list) or for those who are on their own in trying to improve their intimate relationship.
It’s Friday night. Do you have some plans for date night with your spouse?! It need not be expensive, just something to give you a chance to reconnect after a long week. It’s also great for emotional foreplay for both husband and wife! : )
Welcome to our new “Open Forum 3” discussion page!
We continue to create new Open Forum pages for you to post your questions and comments, and for us all to discuss important marriage and intimacy issues. Please post your new comments/questions to this Open Forum 3 post below.
For additional insights, you can review previous discussions by clicking on the links below:
Date night is simply one of the best things couples can do for their marriage. It nourishes the relationship mentally, emotionally, socially and even sexually (…if you’re lucky!).
Couples generally do the best they can when it comes to having a date night, so I really hate to be too hard on them about it. But it may be time to step it up a notch. Consider these four rules for raising the bar on date night: Read the rest of this entry »
Join Sheri Joi of Latter-day Woman Magazine’s “Grapevine Conversations” in a LIVE conversation with Intimacy Expert – Laura Brotherson on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 from 9 – 10 pm (MST).
To participate call the toll-free conference line at 507-726-4240 and when prompted enter passcode 100993#.
NOTE: Times for the call are : 8:00 pm (Pacific Time), 9:00 pm (Mountain Time), 10:00 pm (Central Time), 11:00 pm (Eastern Time).
Particpate on the call – and be one of the WINNERS of a copy of Laura’s Book – And They Were Not Ashamed–Strengthening Marriage through Sexual Fulfillment. Winners will be announced on the call. If you have a question for Laura you can send it to sheri@latterdaywoman.com before Tuesday’s call.
The Twilight fervor seems to be heating up again with the release of the next movie in the Twilight saga. What isn’t being talked about though is its potentially negative effects on relationships.
After seeing this disturbing Twilight parody music video, and hearing about “Twilight Moms” and such on Oprah, it seemed necessary to comment on the Twilight phenomenon, and it’s detrimental effects on marriages.
What may begin as harmless fun or a little escapism from the rigors of real life can easily become an obsession–especially if there is a void in one’s life that is hankering to be filled.
If the connection in marriage is already weak, and there is little happening to nourish it, filling the void with a fantasy is an easy snare to slip into. Read the rest of this entry »
In a recent sex therapy training I attended at The Institute for Sexual Wholeness (ISW), it was a bit disturbing to hear that some people have very mistaken ideas of what sex therapy is all about.
Just to be sure that everyone is clear on what sex therapy is and what it isn’t I thought I’d share a few things to dispel any fears or misconceptions that may be lurking out there. Read the rest of this entry »
Many couples have lost that lovin’ feeling when it comes to kissing and making out.
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When was the last time you and your spouse made out?! Many couples have lost that lovin’ feeling when it comes to kissing and making out.
When couples were dating, kissing was an exciting and savored experience. But after marriage many couples seem to have abandoned sensual, lip-to-lip (face or neck) kissing not only because additional sexual pleasures are now available, but maybe for other more intimate reasons of which they may not be aware.
