No matter how many chick flicks we watch, sex never looks like it does
in the movies. The IRL version can be messy, awkward, and sometimes a
straight-up struggle. And sex therapists have seen it all. So we asked Brandy Engler, Ph.D., psychologist and author of The Women on My Couch, to break down one of the most common issues she sees and how to solve it.
The Sitch
This case introduces a common dilemma: When a man introduces a kink
or fantasy that doesn’t turn you on (and possibly offends you), what
should you do? Can you resolve the difference? Should you break up?
Englert recalls one specific incident involving a man who fantasized
being in a submissive role—a very common fantasy that men often struggle
to get their female partners to participate in, she says....
Here's what went down: "Isabella* was single, mid-30’s, recently
divorced, open minded and had a new lover, Keis*, a much younger
musician. They were both feeling chemistry and the excitement of getting
to know each other. That's when Isabella came to me with a question.
She needed to make a decision about what she was willing to do for this
love affair. On one of their early encounters, Keis brought over some
toys including handcuffs and a male chastity belt. He wanted Isabella to
be dominant while he played the submissive role. Keis was into a scene
loosely referred to as 'cuckhold and chastity,' which is not uncommon.
And even though Isabella liked kinky sex, she had reservations about
this kind. (Spice things up with this Butterfly Kiss Vibrator from the Women's Health Boutique.)
"When Keis shared his favorite fantasy. Isabella wasn’t in the mood
for this kind of role-play. But she wanted to please him. Even though
she didn't enjoy the fantasy, she liked that he was sharing his fantasy
with her. There was something intimate about having him unveil his
secret turn-ons. Though she went along with it, she wasn’t sure she
could go along with this for the long run. Ultimately, she wasn’t turned
on by it—she’d rather have him dominate her. She felt a bit objectified
and somewhat alienated that sex was becoming about his fantasy rather
than their connection."
The Solve
No two people in a couple are going to have identical turn-ons, so
the process of coming together can be tough, says Engler. "I’ve always
disliked the 'be down for anything' advice I hear other sex therapists
promoting." Instead of just going with the flow, Isabella needs to
understand his point of view and her own reaction to his fantasy. "I
know this kind of reflection isn’t hot, but sex doesn’t have a uniform
significance for all," she says.
However, Engler says she didn’t want to tell Isabella what to do, so
she introduced her to a process for making smart decisions. Rather than
blind rejection or acceptance, there are important questions to ask
yourself when deciding whether to participate in a fantasy you're iffy
about, she says. These include: What do I want sex to mean? What am I
trying to feel? How can I use sex to grow? How can I use sex to express
myself? To be more adventurous? Less fearful? More lustful? More loving?
How do I want to connect with this person? Do I have a voice in the
encounter or am I solely following his script? Am I causing harm to
myself or others? "This process is what I like to call conscious
sexuality," says Engler. To practice conscious sexuality in the face of
an unfavorable fantasy, follow these steps:
- First, know that difference is okay. It’s totally normal. Don't see it as a threat.
- Don’t assume that you know why your partner likes this fantasy. Ask what it means to them.
- Though it can be tempting to judge it or see your way as better, don’t criticize or judge. Even judging without saying anything builds contempt, which is not good for a relationship.
- State your truth. Don’t agree with their fantasies just to avoid conflict.
- Once both positions are stated and understood, then you can begin negotiation.
The Result
Notice your reaction to your differences (and soothe any anger) and
state your position clearly and directly. There will be some friction,
but this is healthy in the long run. Successful couples deal with a
difference with humor and respect. Ultimately, Isabella decided to break
up with Keis because she knew she needed to be with someone she shared
more of a sexual connection with.
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