THE TRUTH ABOUT SEX

Q.  My husband and I have been married for three years. We are both unhappy with our sex life and some times even fight about it. We thought that sex in marriage would be easier than the disappointing pre-marital experiences we both had. Why are we having such a hard time?

A.  Our culture, especially the media, portray sex in very unrealistic ways. In fact, they promote lies about sex. They make us think that sex is easy, sex is free and sex can be engaged in with any willing partner. Jenell Williams Paris, professor of anthropology writes on this subject in the November 12, 2001 issue of Christianity Today. She cites an episode on Friends in which Monica, a lead character, is sick with the flu. In spite of a terrible cough and feeling sick she entices her boy friend, Chandler, by seductively rubbing her chest with Vicks. Paris says, “In real life, women with hacking coughs and achy bodies don’t seduce their partners with decongestant medications.” She points out that being single is the norm on Friends yet the three actresses are all married. 

         

Television shows and movies often portray sexuality unrealistically. Sex is pictured as unrelated to a relationship and requiring no commitment. It is spontaneous and easy.  There is little or no dialog. Interaction between the couple is largely non-verbal. This leads many couples to believe that sex in marriage should be easy and “just happen.”

         

This is a far from the truth. Sex in marriage may at times be easy but only when a couple have previously built a relationship that is intimate. This requires work. Verbal communication is essential. Some negotiation as to when, where and how often is required by all couples. Individuals differ as to their interest, comfort about sex, and ability to bare their souls. 

         

The media does not portray real life. Do we ever see a lack of interest in sex due to illness, parenthood or life stresses? Fatigue alone can rob us of the energy for sex. In real life sex is not free. We must talk about birth control and agree on what type we will use. We must deal with late periods, unwanted pregnancy, and even sexually transmitted diseases. Television shows us only the easy side of sex. 

         

Meaningful sex is costly, not free as TV would have us believe. It requires a life long commitment to be faithful to each other. It requires trust, vulnerability and honesty to achieve the best intimacy marriage offers. Here are some things you and your husband can do to help your sex life. Expect it to take work and don’t expect it to be as pictured on TV.

         

1. Communication is essential and so is time together. Talk about every aspect of your relationship. Express resentments and let go of them, share secrets and dreams. Communicate about sex giving each other specific details about your needs, wants, likes and dislikes. Be good listeners, open to hearing each others viewpoints. 

         

2. Be romantic.  Say "I love you." Let your partner know on a daily basis what you love, appreciate and value about them.

3. Be affectionate. Give hugs and kisses often. Hold hands. Sleep together - casually touching and being touched is comforting and stimulating.

         

4. Create Privacy. If you have children put a lock on your bedroom door.

5. Schedule time alone together and time for intimacy. Give it top priority. 

         

Read books on marriage. The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller and Marriage by Mark Driscoll will help you learn more about marriage and sex and understand how to connect with each other. If problems continue, see a Christian marriage counselor.

“I belong to my love and his desire is for me.” Song of Songs 7:10

Blessings, Dottie

How can we keep our love growing?

In order to keep love growing in a marriage it’s necessary to be open and vulnerable to the other person. In other words, even though you’re uncomfortable showing your feelings this is what you must begin doing. This is especially difficult for men who were taught to appear tough and in control all the time. All of us learn to hide behind protective walls so we won’t be hurt. However, these walls keep us from connecting with each other. It’s only as we let the walls down that we are truly able to love and be intimate.

We are stronger now than we were when we put up the walls so we can survive if we are hurt. The alternative of not opening up is living life in isolation from others. Remember how you felt when you were courting your partner? To bring back that same excitement, do some of the same things you eagerly did then. You took risks then in reaching out to your love. 

Here is a list of things you can do that will help you connect with your partner in a loving way:

            •Let your eyes light up when your partner walks in the room.

            •Look into your partner’s eyes.

            •Listen to your partner, really listen.

            •Acknowledge your partner’s feelings.  “That must really hurt.” 

            •Ask for forgiveness for specific things you’ve done that have hurt your partner.

            •Hold hands in public and in private.

            •Give hugs and say “I love you.”

            •Give compliments.  “You look nice today.” 

            •Let your partner know you appreciate him or her. “I appreciate the time and effort you put into cooking dinner tonight.”

            •Cuddle while watching TV.

            •Be romantic while making love.

            •Remind your partner of specific times in the past when you were close.  Talk about these times.

Work at your marriage as you work at your job. It's worth the effort and time this takes. No one cuddles up to a job. The marriage remains when the job is over.

“My lover is mine and I am his. Song of Songs 2:16 NIV

Blessings, Dottie