Brain Sex

The Toxic Twins of Desire Part 2: Resentment


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Resentment—slow-burning, insidious, and often silent—can quietly corrode even the strongest relationships. It’s not just about the unwashed dishes, the forgotten ‘thank yous,’ or the endless to-do lists. It’s about what isn’t said, what isn’t acknowledged, and what slowly hardens over time.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into resentment—how it builds, how it hijacks intimacy, and how it turns connection into obligation. We’ll explore:

  • What Resentment Really Is – Why it festers, how it rewires our brains, and why it feels safer than vulnerability.
  • The Science of Resentment – How lingering frustration affects your nervous system, your libido, and your ability to feel close to your partner.
  • Resentment in the Bedroom – The subtle ways resentment kills desire, making sex feel transactional instead of intimate.
  • Breaking the Cycle – Practical strategies to clear the emotional backlog, communicate openly, and rebuild intimacy with your partner.
  • And of course, in Reading Smut, we’ll discuss The Affair by C.P. Snow, a novel that unpacks intimacy, perception, and the slow unraveling of desire in a relationship.

    We’ll also explore The Dance of Anger by Harriet Lerner, a powerful guide to understanding and transforming anger in relationships—because resentment often begins where unspoken anger lingers.

    Resentment may feel inevitable, but it’s not indestructible. Tune in to learn how to clear out the emotional rust and make space for connection again.

    Follow us on Instagram @BrainSexPodcast for more insights, discussions, and cheeky explorations of intimacy.

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    Brain SexBy Kelly Swartz