Yes, a woman is the author of this article.
Some may wonder how I could possibly write about what men hope to get out of their intimate relationships being female. As a Sex and Intimacy Coach/Educator I work with a lot of women and men seeking to improve their relationships. Many sit across from me expressing their dreams, hopes, frustrations and pain. For a lot of men its the first time theyve been able to talk about these things in an open and honest way without feeling criticized or defensive.
What I hear men telling me isn't exactly what people may think. Theyre thoughtful, concerned, desiring vulnerability and connection, and genuinely interested in their partner. So, on behalf of the wonderful men with whom Ive worked, I hope they wont mind if I share a few things they wished their women knew.
1. Hes more than a raging sex-monster
Most of us tend to think that any male over the age of 16 is walking around barely managing to control themselves and their raging desires. Not true. While, yes, their hormones are increasing and testosterone is linked to sex drive, most men are able to hold jobs, go to school, hang out with friends, eat at a restaurant, go to a ball game, and so on, without transforming into some sort of slobbering I-can-only-think-about-sex monster. Men are human beings capable of experiencing a range of emotions and feelings and if youre only viewing him as only thinking about one thing youre missing out on every other great thing about him.
2. Hes a man of action
A mans brain is wired for action and physical activity -- especially during stressful times, according to Dr. Caroline Leaf.
Men tend to seek a physical way to vent his worries, excitement, and tension through doing something. If your partner is suddenly more interested than usual in sex, find out whats happening in his life instead of just assuming he has suddenly transformed into some one-track-mind caveman.
Keep in mind, sex feels pretty great to most men, happens fairly easily due to biological design, and is a way to relieve tension and relax. If you knew of an activity that provided all these great benefits, wouldnt you look for opportunities to participate in it? And what if this activity also provided you a way to connect with the person you love the most? Thats a total bonus and an experience you would probably seek out often.
3. He doesnt want you to do it out of duty
Contrary to popular belief, men arent stupid. Moreover, he can tell when youre there with him out of some sort obligation or only doing it to make him happy. Of course there are times when being intimate with your spouse to make him happy is acceptable, but if this is the norm, its an aspect of your sexual relationship that needs attention. After a time, duty sex becomes less-than satisfying for him because he ends up feeling like he just used someone he loves. Ive heard several men say they would rather not have sex then continue like that.
If desire or libido is an issue for you, there are classes, books, and strategies for learning about and taking ownership over this part of your sexual experience. He would rather you be a willing and enthusiastic partner then just another checked box on your to-do list.
4. He doesnt just want intercourse, he wants affection
In the beginning stages of a new marriage sex itself generally becomes the focus for awhile. Once the couple begins settling into a routine and life, we sometimes forget about all the daily opportunities we have to connect, physically and emotionally, beyond just the bedroom through hugs and little touches.
Ive heard many women complain that their man only seems interested in sex and/or if they initiate any touch at all that their spouse thinks it means they want to get right to sex. When I ask them if theyre taking advantage of other times to be affectionate, many couples say theyre not. This is due to a myriad of reasons -- kids, jobs, sleep schedules.
When we relegate touch and affection to just the bedroom, its akin to spending the week in a desert, being offered a glass of water, and then being told to just take a sip. Its difficult to not want more. By making a concerted effort to increase touch and affection throughout the week, many couples find a greater sense of connection, feel less tension, and enjoy a greater feeling of mutual satisfaction.
5. Your body is like a foreign language -- and he needs you to help him learn it
If you were asked to fly an airplane, would you know what to do? Which lever would you push? What do all the buttons mean? And yet, a lot of women expect their men to know how to interact with their body and give them the experience theyre hoping for. By having this expectation, women are essentially setting their partner up for failure and feelings of inadequacy.
Men tell me all the time their greatest desire is to please their partner and to know shes getting as much out of their intimate life as he is. To do that, he actually needs you to tell him what you like, dont like, and want more of. Of course there are books he could read and classes he could take, but there isnt a class out there detailing the specifics of your unique body, needs and wants. So, give the guy a little help, dont expect him to read your mind, and just tell him. I know it seems simplistic, but its amazing how far a little communication will go. Youll both be glad you did.
In conclusion, recognize youre married to an evolved human man and not some raging sex-fiend
While there are a few men out there who fit that description, they are usually the exception and not the rule. And those are the men who arent generally looking for long-term relationships anyway. The man youve chosen is a complex man with feelings and hopes just like yours and is anxious to do what he can to improve your relationship.
Some may wonder how I could possibly write about what men hope to get out of their intimate relationships being female. As a Sex and Intimacy Coach/Educator I work with a lot of women and men seeking to improve their relationships. Many sit across from me expressing their dreams, hopes, frustrations and pain. For a lot of men its the first time theyve been able to talk about these things in an open and honest way without feeling criticized or defensive.
What I hear men telling me isn't exactly what people may think. Theyre thoughtful, concerned, desiring vulnerability and connection, and genuinely interested in their partner. So, on behalf of the wonderful men with whom Ive worked, I hope they wont mind if I share a few things they wished their women knew.
1. Hes more than a raging sex-monster
Most of us tend to think that any male over the age of 16 is walking around barely managing to control themselves and their raging desires. Not true. While, yes, their hormones are increasing and testosterone is linked to sex drive, most men are able to hold jobs, go to school, hang out with friends, eat at a restaurant, go to a ball game, and so on, without transforming into some sort of slobbering I-can-only-think-about-sex monster. Men are human beings capable of experiencing a range of emotions and feelings and if youre only viewing him as only thinking about one thing youre missing out on every other great thing about him.
2. Hes a man of action
A mans brain is wired for action and physical activity -- especially during stressful times, according to Dr. Caroline Leaf.
Men tend to seek a physical way to vent his worries, excitement, and tension through doing something. If your partner is suddenly more interested than usual in sex, find out whats happening in his life instead of just assuming he has suddenly transformed into some one-track-mind caveman.
Keep in mind, sex feels pretty great to most men, happens fairly easily due to biological design, and is a way to relieve tension and relax. If you knew of an activity that provided all these great benefits, wouldnt you look for opportunities to participate in it? And what if this activity also provided you a way to connect with the person you love the most? Thats a total bonus and an experience you would probably seek out often.
3. He doesnt want you to do it out of duty
Contrary to popular belief, men arent stupid. Moreover, he can tell when youre there with him out of some sort obligation or only doing it to make him happy. Of course there are times when being intimate with your spouse to make him happy is acceptable, but if this is the norm, its an aspect of your sexual relationship that needs attention. After a time, duty sex becomes less-than satisfying for him because he ends up feeling like he just used someone he loves. Ive heard several men say they would rather not have sex then continue like that.
If desire or libido is an issue for you, there are classes, books, and strategies for learning about and taking ownership over this part of your sexual experience. He would rather you be a willing and enthusiastic partner then just another checked box on your to-do list.
4. He doesnt just want intercourse, he wants affection
In the beginning stages of a new marriage sex itself generally becomes the focus for awhile. Once the couple begins settling into a routine and life, we sometimes forget about all the daily opportunities we have to connect, physically and emotionally, beyond just the bedroom through hugs and little touches.
Ive heard many women complain that their man only seems interested in sex and/or if they initiate any touch at all that their spouse thinks it means they want to get right to sex. When I ask them if theyre taking advantage of other times to be affectionate, many couples say theyre not. This is due to a myriad of reasons -- kids, jobs, sleep schedules.
When we relegate touch and affection to just the bedroom, its akin to spending the week in a desert, being offered a glass of water, and then being told to just take a sip. Its difficult to not want more. By making a concerted effort to increase touch and affection throughout the week, many couples find a greater sense of connection, feel less tension, and enjoy a greater feeling of mutual satisfaction.
5. Your body is like a foreign language -- and he needs you to help him learn it
If you were asked to fly an airplane, would you know what to do? Which lever would you push? What do all the buttons mean? And yet, a lot of women expect their men to know how to interact with their body and give them the experience theyre hoping for. By having this expectation, women are essentially setting their partner up for failure and feelings of inadequacy.
Men tell me all the time their greatest desire is to please their partner and to know shes getting as much out of their intimate life as he is. To do that, he actually needs you to tell him what you like, dont like, and want more of. Of course there are books he could read and classes he could take, but there isnt a class out there detailing the specifics of your unique body, needs and wants. So, give the guy a little help, dont expect him to read your mind, and just tell him. I know it seems simplistic, but its amazing how far a little communication will go. Youll both be glad you did.
In conclusion, recognize youre married to an evolved human man and not some raging sex-fiend
While there are a few men out there who fit that description, they are usually the exception and not the rule. And those are the men who arent generally looking for long-term relationships anyway. The man youve chosen is a complex man with feelings and hopes just like yours and is anxious to do what he can to improve your relationship.
