

{"id":58166,"date":"2020-03-27T06:49:05","date_gmt":"2020-03-27T06:49:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/importance-of-exploring-your-sexuality\/"},"modified":"2024-12-13T03:02:22","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T03:02:22","slug":"importance-of-exploring-your-sexuality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/importance-of-exploring-your-sexuality\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Reasons Why Exploring Sexuality Within a Marriage in Important"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-16364 size-full\" title=\"The Importance of Exploring Your Sexuality Within a Marriage\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/the-importance-of-exploring-your-sexuality-within-a-marriage-1605853020.jpg\" alt=\"Passionate Beautiful Couple In Bedroom Enjoying Foreplay\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exploring sexuality is an expedition that takes time and inner strength while being vulnerable at the same time. Here, one must allow themself to experiment and stumble upon exciting findings.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although most new couples would wish for the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/how-long-does-the-honeymoon-phase-last\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">honeymoon phase<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to last forever, the experienced ones know that the later <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/stages-of-relationship-development\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stages of a relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be just as exciting and even more. All the aspects &ndash; physical and spiritual, together contribute to an overall happy marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intimacy and enjoying sexuality are important areas of discussion that shouldn&rsquo;t be left ignored in a relationship, especially if you&rsquo;re facing confusion or dissatisfaction. For this, you should know how to explore your sexuality, and how to talk about sex with your partner, no holds barred.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-exploring-sexuality\"><\/span><b>What is exploring sexuality?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exploring sexuality means <\/span><b>knowing your sexual likes, dislikes, preferences and the willingness to seek knowledge that will lead to a happy and satisfying physical relationship with your partner.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The importance of exploring your sexuality within marriage is not only about exploring sex, but first and foremost, it is about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/intimacy\/intimacy-and-marriage\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">strengthening intimacy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, developing trust,<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sexual communication and learning how to love ourselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-to-explore-your-sexuality\"><\/span><b>How to explore your sexuality?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The journey of understanding one&rsquo;s sexuality starts at the moment you first <\/span><b>question your desires and wants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in an intimate relationship. It&rsquo;s alright if you want to <\/span><b>take your time<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> processing these feelings instead of jumping to conclusions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think of it as a <\/span><b>process of discovery and exploration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Try to <\/span><b>gain knowledge<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about aspects that are new to you. <\/span><b>Talk to people, read books<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and find more <\/span><b>authentic sources of information<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> around it.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask questions to yourself and answer them. Do not freak out if those answers don&rsquo;t turn out as per your beliefs. While you introspect on determining your sexuality, take a break and embrace your true identity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/experts\/danica\">Danica Mitchell<\/a>, an experienced sex therapist:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>While you explore your sexuality, it is important to do so without judgment.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people wonder &lsquo;can you change your sexuality?&rsquo;. So, take note here that the answer is always no. It&rsquo;s a natural instinct just like any other emotional urge you feel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-16365 size-full\" title=\"Understanding your partner\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/understanding-your-partner-1605853020.jpg\" alt=\"Couple Hugging And Smiling On The Roof With Side City View\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-reasons-why-exploring-your-sexuality-within-marriage-is-important\"><\/span><b>5 reasons why exploring your sexuality within marriage is important<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the term &lsquo;exploring sexuality,&rsquo; you might derive the sole purpose of understanding. But there&rsquo;s more to it. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Therapist Danica Mitchell further shares:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>It is also important because your sexuality develops over time. So, it is important that this be an ongoing practice.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While in a relationship or a marriage, knowing your sexual needs is liberating and contributes to mutual satisfaction.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Contentment<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It might sound silly but knowing our own needs and desires can be something we might not be entirely aware of. Discovery is the first step in figuring out sexuality and leads to clarity on <\/span><b>what you truly want<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;A simpler interpretation of understanding your desire is <\/span><b>thinking about certain detail that interests you<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> more than others. For this part, you can <\/span><b>write down all the things<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that you know you already like, things that you would like to try, and things that you are not interested in trying.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>As you get on the journey of exploring your sexuality, you will become more aware of your emotional states, motivations, and urges.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It helps in building <\/span><b>a <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/7-characteristics-of-a-good-relationship\/\"><b>good relationship<\/b><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">not just with your partner but with yourself, too. So, the question is not only what you want to do but also what makes you feel satisfied. This can refer to either a specific situation or your sex life in general.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moreover, while exploring sexuality, remember that this is not something you are supposed to understand the first time you think about it. On the contrary, it can be slightly concerning at the start. So <\/span><b>be open, kind, and patient<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with yourself through the journey of sexual exploring.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-16371 size-full\" title=\"Communication\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/communications-1605853021.jpg\" alt=\"Beautiful Couple Talking And Smiling At The Outdoor Coffee Bar\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Compatibility<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexual compatibility within a marriage is not limited to having similar sexual needs. It includes <\/span><b>being on the same page<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> regarding areas of <\/span><b>interest and preferences<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It&rsquo;s possible for you to not feel satisfied within marriage even though you enjoy having sex with your partner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you&rsquo;re fully aware of your sexual desires, you can realize <\/span><b>what causes maximum pleasure and maximum discontent<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It allows you to work on areas that can contribute to your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/marriage-satisfaction\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">marital satisfaction<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexual awareness also encourages you to be open with your partner on topics of intimacy. Nobody can engage in sex talk without exposing their vulnerabilities, so discussing sex with your partner will not be easy unless you&rsquo;re clear on what you want to say.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/signs-of-compatibility\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15 Signs of Compatibility Between You and Your Partner<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>3. Confidence<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Confidence is a key value<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to have in life. Multiple factors affect the amount of confidence we possess and demonstrate. <\/span><b>Awareness of your sexual self can boost your confidence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> multiple folds. There may be individuals who feel under confident due to sexual confusion and an inability to communicate the same.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It makes you feel confident and positive when you begin to explore your sexuality and talk to your partner about it. You will be <\/span><b>able to find a good place to start improving your sex life<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in general and <\/span><b>feel more hopeful<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can <\/span><b>utilize this confidence in picking yourself up<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> every time you feel let down by a certain event or aspect. You can also <\/span><b>feel prepared when faced with a new sexual experience<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and not feel intimidated. As a confident person, you&rsquo;ll be able to engage in activities wholeheartedly.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b>Related Reading<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/how-to-feel-more-confident-in-relationship\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20 Things You Can Do To Feel More Confident In A Relationship<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>4. Communication<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The conversation about sexual exploration in marriage needs to happen in a neutral setting.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discovering your sexual identity gives you <\/span><b>a platform to talk about it<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> too. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9153093\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communication <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is important in any marriage and the knowledge about your wants and needs only <\/span><b>adds up to its credibility<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try to direct the initial part of the conversation towards intimacy and <\/span><b>being able to feel completely safe, honest, and free in front of each other<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is important to acknowledge if there is anything barring you from fully enjoying yourselves.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&rsquo;t expect every conversation to solve the issues at hand right away. Aim to be able to state your thoughts at first. It&rsquo;s<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">important to<\/span><b> listen and avoid judging <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">at any point of time<\/span><b>.&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/signs-you-are-getting-too-comfortable-in-a-relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling comfortable<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> talking about one&rsquo;s own sexual needs sometimes takes practice, but it&rsquo;s the <\/span><b>basis of a fulfilling married life<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Danica Mitchell highlights that:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>It is okay if you feel awkward&nbsp;or uncomfortable when talking about your sexuality, but the more you talk, the more comfortable you will get<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learn more about discussing sex with your partner through this video by sex therapist Vanessa Marin:<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br><\/span><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9ncURhp3Usg\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Cultivation<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exploring sexuality <\/span><b>opens up horizons<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you never knew existed. Knowing yourself is the <\/span><b>purest form of awareness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, making you learn not just about yourself but the people around you. You will be able to attain a <\/span><b>state of wisdom<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> within yourself.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While you understand yourself, you will come across many <\/span><b>sources and resources for gaining knowledge<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>discovering potential and embracing reality<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Perhaps, you will also learn several facts about the LGBTQ+ community.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This knowledge can reach more people who are in need of it and are probably struggling with sexuality and dealing with similar anxieties in their life.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can <\/span><b>share your knowledge<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with others and keep the conversation around this topic going.&nbsp; It is important that people feel the need to <\/span><b>discuss sexual orientation more<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Got-questions-It%E2%80%99s-okay\"><\/span><b>Got questions? It&rsquo;s okay!<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s obvious to have questions about exploring sexuality. This one is a less-explored genre for many couples and calls for a proper discussion. Although feeling weird or uncomfortable about this topic is also an understandable trait, we should be willing to take this theme forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Why is it important to explore sexuality?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we have discussed in detail, exploring sexuality is important on several levels and aspects. Sexual self-discovery is not restricted to experimenting with partners of same-sex, it is a deeper concept that people seldom realize.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exploring sexuality is necessary to fully exercise the freedom of expression and be decisive about what you want from a partner. It affects not only your sex life but your overall romantic equation.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Is it normal to explore sexuality?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of us abandon the thought of exploring our sexuality, fearing judgment from society, family and friends. This idea has been confined within stereotypical notions of right and wrong, leaving individuals scared and confused forever. What&rsquo;s your sexuality type shouldn&rsquo;t be a matter of shame for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As controversial as it may sound, exploring sexuality is completely normal and healthy for any person. It is no use to linger in uncertainty, feeling repressed and dissatisfied over and over again.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Exploring-sexuality-is-liberating\"><\/span><b>Exploring sexuality is liberating!<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexual exploration is not about finding comfort with whatever you have in your life even when you are urged to look beyond. It&rsquo;s about finding a voice to convey the things you like or doesn&rsquo;t like about sex, without feeling intimidated by a person, event or situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Danica Mitchell concludes with:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>When you understand your own sexuality, you can live more authentically.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you still feel unable to convey your feelings to your spouse, you can try <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/counseling\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">couples counseling<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> through a professional therapist.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marriage is about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3399251\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">partnership<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and if gaps are allowed within this framework, it can lead to disharmony and disappointment. It is important to that you let yourself uncover all the aspects of sexual pleasure not just for your but also for your partner&rsquo;s sake.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Exploring sexuality is an expedition that takes time and inner strength while being vulnerable at the same time. Here, one must allow themself to experiment and stumble upon exciting findings.&nbsp; Although most new couples would wish for the honeymoon phase to last forever, the experienced ones know that the later stages of a relationship can be just as exciting and even more. All the aspects &ndash; physical and spiritual, together contribute to an overall happy marriage. Intimacy and enjoying sexuality are important areas of discussion that shouldn&rsquo;t be left ignored in a relationship, especially if you&rsquo;re facing confusion or dissatisfaction. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":848,"featured_media":58167,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[31],"tags":[2524],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58166"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/848"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58166"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58166\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":106309,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58166\/revisions\/106309"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/58167"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58166"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58166"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58166"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}