When we begin a new relationship, we are usually in that “honeymoon” phase where our baseline sexuality is elevated for a good three to six months, perhaps a year at most. After that, we go back to our normal “sexual style”.
Dr. Barry McCarthy and his wife, Emily posit that there are four basic sexual styles, each with their own set of benefits and caveats. The four styles are:
- Complementary
- Traditional
- Soul Mate
- Emotionally Expressive
Complementary is the most common style. Each partner may initiate, refuse an advance or suggest an alternative. The benefits are a blend of intimacy and eroticism. The shadow side is the couple may fall into routine.
Traditional is more the stereotypical masculine/feminine (which may exist in couples of all sexual preferences). The masculine initiates sexuality, the feminine initiates intimacy and affection. This is a stable sexual style, no big surprises or drama. The down side is the rigidity. What happens as an aging masculine can no longer perform as dictated? What happens when something disrupts the status quo in either sexuality or intimacy?
Soul Mate is the sexual style of best friends. It establishes a secure bond that blends the secure attachment of an all-accepting best friend with the excitement of the lover. The caveat is that the couple may become so familiar with each other that the “friends” dominates and the relationship becomes neutered or de-eroticized.
Emotionally Expressive is the most erotic and unpredictable style. Couples use sex to heal emotional conflicts and have high intensity. The shadow side is that eroticism may override the need for intimacy and that the intensity and drama often involved may burn out the couple.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in these sexual styles. Have you experienced them? Has your style shifted over time or over different relationships?
Hello
How does a 51 yo man tell his 51 yo wife, after 26 years of solid and cooperative marriage raising two kids, that his physical attraction to her is waning? I would characterize our sexual style as soul mates, though I never have considered us (nor has my wife) as that in the broadest sense. “The excitement of a lover” is what I crave so much but it’s just not there with her no matter how much I try catalyze or get into it via romantic and considerate gestures. When I do these things it’s out of genuine love. My genuine love for her is not translating anymore into sexual desire and excitement.
Thanks
I feel for you. Love but no longer “in love” describes a majority of the couples I work with. In terms of what is going on in your relationship, I can think of a half dozen possibilities. Of course, without consulting with both of you, it would all be speculation. To be honest, my answer to your question, “How does a 51 yo man tell his 51 yo wife, …” is that it would be more valuable to ask the question, “How does a 51 yo man work with his 51 yo wife to reignite the spark between them and have an incredible life partnership as well as a passionate sex life?” If that question is more compelling for you, please contact me for a complimentary telephone consultation for you and your wife and let’s discover how we might answer that question successfully.
I wish you the best,
Dr. Adam Sheck