Most relationship conflict associated with intimacy has little or nothing to do with technique, and instead deals with individuals being uncertain as to what they desire from one another (or have unmet expectations), and are unclear on how to communicate about their desires. Communication is a skill which minimizes the level of risk involved in sexual activities, develops a sense of safety and allows for the realization of giving/receiving consent.
Clarify “Yes,” “No” and “Maybe”
Boundaries help define what is acceptable or unacceptable by defining what is comfortable and enjoyable and what requires time to build up to and/or may depend on a particular emotional state.
When partners clearly define which bucket they fall into, they eliminate confusion.
Additionally, defining boundaries removes the common phenomenon where one partner continues to test their partner’s boundaries simply because discussing them was uncomfortable previously.
Boundary conversations do not require lengthy speeches. Boundary conversations require clarity and agreement between the two parties that boundaries will be respected without penalty.
Discussing Goals Rather Than Just the Activity
Many of the misunderstandings in relationships arise from uncommunicated goals. For example, one person wants intimacy and reassurance, another person wants to relieve stress, another person wants to create a sense of love and vibes.
While some of these goals may overlap and exist simultaneously, they can also conflict and cause problems if the partners do not discuss them.
One way that people can assess their level of expectation compatibility before they engage in intimate activities is by asking themselves the two following questions:
- “What will make this evening enjoyable?”
- “What will make me feel safe during the evening?”
Both questions allow each partner to move away from a focus on performing well and toward creating an environment that allows both partners to feel comfortable.
Consent Throughout the Experience
Consent should be viewed as a continuous process during an intimate experience, not as a written agreement established at the onset of the relationship.
People may change their minds during the course of an intimate experience, and people may enjoy something one day and dislike it the next day. Neither of these situations necessitates an explanation.
Practically speaking, effective consent checks are brief and specific. Asking “is this okay?” is effective, however, asking “do you want more pressure or less” may be even more effective.
During the course of an intimate experience, it is beneficial to pay attention to your partner’s non-verbal cues; however, relying solely on intuition is not advisable. A quick consent check benefits both partners.
The Part People Often Skip
Aftercare doesn’t have to be about intense events; aftercare is the time that a couple connects again, resets, and finds meaning from an event. Most arguments are created after an intimate experience because one of the people involved feels emotionally exposed and the other person immediately goes back into their normal state.
Aftercare can be as simple as a glass of water, or a hug, or taking a shower together, or having a quick talk. Aftercare’s goal is to show care and curiosity toward your partner’s emotional well-being.
You can use a debrief as part of aftercare. What did you like? What did you dislike? What would you do differently with us on our next experience? The goal of a debrief is to find ways to improve things, and not to place blame.
A helpful tool is to distinguish between feedback and criticism. Feedback is specific and positive. “I really liked it when you slowed down.” Criticism is a negative and subjective evaluation of something.