Sex releases the hormones that make us feel good (testosterone for men and oxytocin for women). Now, we all know that sex is almost always on a man’s mind and he generally is “in the mood” anytime, anywhere, and any way. But for a woman to build her desire and fully enjoy the sexual experience, she first needs to feel special and cherished by her partner. She yearns to be wanted and responds best when a man pursues her with devout intensity (regardless of the relationship stage or length). This is based on the fact that men and women experience attraction differently. RELATED: How To Have Sex Like A Total Pro (According To Total Pros) Men feel physical attraction first, then the emotional and mental connection follow; women need to feel connected mentally and emotionally before they are ready for a physical encounter. This is why “Romance is from Venus and Sex is from Mars.” In the beginning of our relationships, it’s so easy to connect on a romantic and sexual level as the hormones flow freely and plentiful. Think back to those magical days (and nights!) of great sex… Men, you called her randomly and often, brought her flowers “just because,” showed interest and respect for her ideas, had long conversations where you actively listened to her talk? Did you ask her a lot of questions to find out what she liked and then plan fun date nights based on your common interests? Did you send her sexy emails or texts extolling the virtues of her breasts, her perfect bottom, the seductive effect of her perfume? RELATED: 8 Tips For Women Who Want To Have Great Orgasms Again (And Again) Did you look deeply into her eyes, lightly touch her face and hair, pull her close to kiss her slowly and deliciously while your hands gently and firmly explored every inch of her lovely body? Did you take bubble baths together? Did you cook your famous spaghetti (in just an apron), and serve it to her with real silverware, candlelight and Chris Botti playing softly in the background? Women, did you perfectly maintain your nails, hair, makeup and maybe even wax? Did you choose scents and outfits designed to turn him on, including silky, slinky underthings and lingerie? Did you share your hopes, goals, and fantasies with him, admire his expertise and trust his judgment? Did you daydream about his lips on your nipples, and imagine what it would be like to wake up next to him every morning and the beautiful children you might make together? RELATED: 7 Sex Tips That Women Really, Really Wish Men Knew Did your eyes sparkle and your stomach flutter whenever he walked into the room? Were you thrilled by his efforts to please you and did you smile, flirt and thank him for every little thing to show him how happy you were? As couples settle in together and the hectic daily schedules take precedence, our priorities slowly shift. We don’t indulge in as much quality time together or strive to meet each other’s needs, yet this is the precursor to great sex. What happens, instead, is that men tend to forget their feelings and women tend to forget their sexual desire. However, when mates prioritize time to remember their love and return the focus to romance and sex, a relationship can begin to improve immediately. Sometimes when tension is brewing in a relationship, one partner will want to stop having sex. But, actually, the best thing a couple can do is focus on creating better sex, because when the sex gets better, suddenly the whole relationship can improve. Just as our palettes crave a variety of meals to keep our bodies functioning well, we also need to incorporate variety into our intimate relationships. RELATED: 30 Best Role Play Ideas Couples Should Try At Least Once
Here are the three kinds of sex married couples should have to keep their relationship strong:
1. Healthy Home-Cooked Sex
This style is the basis for a regular, healthy sex life. It usually occurs a couple times a week and generally takes about 30 minutes and the Martian ensures that his Venusian has the time she needs to relax, build up her desire and experience orgasms.
2. Fast Food Sex
Although junk food would not be good for us as a regular diet, it can be tasty and sometimes it fits well into the schedule. The same is true for quickies. This 3-5 minutes given whenever he feels the need for sexual release and she’s not in the mood, is a great gift that a woman can bestow on her partner and will go a long way to ensuring he continues to feel his love for her. Set some ground rules first, like not expecting her to participate much during quickies, having healthy home-cooked sex on a regular basis as often as she likes, plus gourmet sex once a month. Also, he will want to reciprocate for quickies by giving her the cuddling she needs regularly to feel loved. This technique can work very well so that never again will he feel rejected, and she will always be able to count on him for affection. RELATED: How To Have Great (Not Just Good) Sex
3. Gourmet Sex
Indulge in this style of sex at least once a month. A woman needs to be wined, dined and romanced, just like in the early days (and nights) of the relationship. No excuses — put it on the schedule! Remember the old adage: “If mama ain’t happy, then nobody’s happy!” Of course, a romantic getaway is wonderful, but if money is tight, then send the kids to Grandma’s or trade babysitting evenings with the neighbors. The key to passionate monogamy is remembering and acting like we did in the beginning of the relationship. When the man takes action to be romantic and the woman responds with appreciation, our bodies release the hormones that drive our sexual feelings. RELATED: 9 Reasons Why I’m Ridiculously Good In Bed (And You Can Be, Too!) John Gray, Ph.D. is bestselling author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus and Beyond Mars and Venus. He has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Dr. Oz Show, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and others.
