Today we're diving deep into the nuances of initiation. We'll discuss sexual initiation, its dynamics, and why understanding our preferences is more crucial than we might think. If you've ever felt a little out of sync with your partner or just curious about how to create a bridge to sexual connection, this episode is for you. Let's get started!

Show Notes 

Intro:

• [00:00:00] Introduction and the importance of understanding sexual initiation preferences.

Desire Discrepancy:

• [00:00:15] The challenge of aligning desires in long-term relationships.
• [00:00:28] The evolving nature of sexual desires and the fluidity of sex.

Initiating Sex:

• [00:01:00] How people approach the initiation of intimacy.
• [00:01:19] Michelle introduces a conceptual exercise to understand intimacy better.

The 0 to 10 Scale of Sexual Initiation:

• [00:01:30] Visualization of sexual initiation, from no thought of sex to after-sex activities.
• [00:02:06] Different perspectives on what constitutes the beginning of sexual encounters.

Practical Exercise:

• [00:02:34] A guide on how couples can use the exercise to discuss their ideal sexual encounters.

Conclusion:

• [00:03:06] The importance of open communication about sexual experiences.
• [00:03:30] The goal: a shared, satisfying sexual experience.

Outro:

• [00:03:50] Closing thoughts, hope for listeners to have more fulfilling intimate relationships.

Resources & Links:

• Research on post-sex cuddling and relationship satisfaction:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24777441/
• Exercise adapted from Barry McCarthy's model - 5 Dimensions of Touch in the book Discovering Your Couple Sexual Style