Sex and intimacy are the most conspicuous aspects of bringing human beings closer and bonding them to their partners. However, finding ourselves amidst a pandemic, surrounded by jolts in daily life changes, it becomes all mixed emotions when thinking about sex and intimacy. We will explore five feels about sex and intimacy that are totally normal right now.
1. Fear and Anxiety
The fear and anxiety surrounding the pandemic have caused significant disruptions to our daily lives, leading many to feel hesitant about engaging in sexual activities. It is natural to feel concerned about potential risks of contracting or spreading the virus through sexual contact. The uncertainty and stress caused by the pandemic can also negatively affect our libido and desire for intimacy. As a result, individuals may experience difficulty relaxing, enjoying sexual intimacy, or maintaining a healthy sex life with their partners.
Understanding these emotions is crucial for maintaining sexual health during the pandemic. Open communication with partners about concerns and fears can help alleviate anxiety and promote safer sexual practices, such as reducing the number of sexual partners, engaging in virtual sex, or using barrier methods. Additionally, self-care and stress-reduction strategies, such as meditation, exercise, or seeking professional help, can help individuals cope with anxiety and improve their overall well-being.
2. Guilt and Shame
The pandemic has led to many disruptions in daily routines, causing individuals to spend more time at home and manage additional responsibilities such as working from home, homeschooling, and household chores. As a result, individuals may feel guilty for not being able to prioritize their sexual needs or maintain a healthy sex life with their partners.
Moreover, the constant bombardment of pandemic-related news and the suffering of others can make individuals feel guilty for wanting to engage in sexual activities. This can lead to feelings of shame and self-judgment for their desires. However, it is essential to recognize that maintaining a healthy sex life is crucial for overall well-being, and individuals can take steps to prioritize their sexual needs while remaining mindful of public health guidelines.
3. Loneliness and Isolation
The pandemic has forced many of us to isolate ourselves from others, including our partners. This physical separation can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, making it difficult to maintain a healthy sexual relationship.
Moreover, for those who are single and living alone, the lack of physical touch and intimacy can take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being. This can lead to a heightened desire for physical intimacy, which may not be possible due to the restrictions in place.
4. Boredom and Routine
The closure of many businesses and entertainment venues has resulted in a significant disruption to people’s daily routines, leading to a sense of monotony and predictability. This lack of novelty and variety can also affect people’s sex lives, making it difficult to maintain the excitement and spontaneity that is often associated with sexual intimacy. For those in long-term relationships, the lack of new experiences and opportunities to connect outside of the home can lead to feelings of boredom and dissatisfaction with their sex lives. This decrease in sexual desire can further add to the stress and strain on relationships, making it difficult to maintain a healthy and fulfilling intimate connection.
However, it is important to note that these feelings are completely normal and understandable given the current circumstances. The key to navigating these feelings is to find ways to introduce novelty and variety into your sex life, even within the confines of your home. This could include trying new positions, incorporating toys or props, or exploring new forms of intimacy, such as sensual massages or sexting. By making a conscious effort to keep things fresh and exciting, you can help combat feelings of boredom and dissatisfaction and maintain a healthy and fulfilling sexual relationship.
5. Gratitude and Appreciation
While the pandemic has brought about many challenges and negative emotions, it has also given us the opportunity to reflect on the things that truly matter in our lives. This includes our relationships and the importance of physical and emotional intimacy.
The forced isolation and physical distancing have made us appreciate the value of human connection and the role it plays in our well-being. This may have led to a deeper sense of gratitude for our partners and a renewed appreciation for the intimacy we share with them.
Although the pandemic has affected our lives in so many ways, making us feel differently about sex and closeness, in the final analysis, these feelings we are experiencing are completely normal and valid emotions. Openly communicating with your partner about fears, desires, and needs is also quite important during these trying times. What we can do is to understand and support each other in working with the feelings to stay in a healthy, fulfilling sex life.
