Sex and intimacy are important in a long-term relationship, even if each person has different needs and wants. A healthy relationship is one in which one feels safe and cared for, and also includes intimate communication, mutual understanding and respect.
What is a healthy relationship?
A healthy relationship is one in which both partners feel physically as well as mentally fulfilled. Being able to talk and communicate openly and inclusively, sharing each other's desires and needs.
A healthy relationship is not just about being sexually compatible, it's about emotional intimacy and connection. And a healthy relationship helps to be better at exploring and trying new things, such as role-playing, exploring sexual fantasies, adding sex toys, and BDSM. A healthy relationship also helps, to better express each other. Be direct about what you want as well as rejecting things you don't like.
A healthy relationship is fun and you can both benefit from it by communicating effectively and feeling safe.
1. Open, inclusive communication
This is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship, and communication can be a great way to work through problems in a relationship. An open and inclusive communication environment helps one to understand each other better and not have to worry that what one says will be laughed at, sarcastically, etc. by one's partner. This is also a good environment to stay sex positive.
Healthy relationships don't feel awkward or uncomfortable talking about sexual topics, and if you feel that, then it's time to need to revisit the relationship.
If your relationship lacks open communication, what needs to be done to improve it? In our daily lives, it is easy to get caught up in the trivial things of life, such as work, school, family, etc., which can distract us and lead to neglecting our partner. So even if you are busy, don't neglect communication with your partner, you can establish a regular communication to talk about how you feel during this time, and better solve the problems in the relationship, and so on.
2. Consent and understanding
It's important to get your partner's consent in a relationship, especially sexually, especially if you're going to try something new. If you're going to try new things in the bedroom, it's inevitable to communicate, understand as well as respect each other's wishes and boundaries, and to remain empathetic, and patient listeners in the process.
If you want to try something new in the bedroom, but your partner is not interested and is uncomfortable with it, then respect and understand your partner's boundaries. And consent is not a one-time talk, after all, you will discover new things as you practice, so it needs to be an ongoing process, such as verbal questioning to ask if the other person is feeling good, or what they like, and so on. Of course you can also show this through body language. If you feel the need, setting up a safe word can be a better way to ensure your partner's consent and feelings.
3. Mutual respect
It's also important to respect each other's boundaries, which is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. Respect each other's boundaries and don't force each other to do things you don't like. This can make your relationship uncomfortable and even affect your feelings for each other.
If you don't like a certain behavior, explain to your partner the reasons why you don't like it, why you are not interested or don't want to try it, and likewise you shouldn't feel guilty for rejecting your partner.
4. Pleasure
Pleasure is an important part of building a healthy relationship, both sexually and emotionally. And staying happy can be a great way to soothe physical and mental anxiety, stress, and improve your mood, as well as benefit your overall health.
And being happy also contributes to a healthier and regular sex life and a more intimate relationship. If you think there is a lack of pleasure in your relationship, here are a few ways to help you get better at having a pleasurable experience.
Try new positions and environments: it's very common and normal for sex to fall into disinterest and routine in long-term relationships. If you are tired of sex in bed or missionary. Why don't you try new sex positions or get away from the bedroom and try it in the bathroom, on the couch, in a hotel or even outdoors.
Adding freshness to the bedroom can bring new excitement and enhance mutual pleasure. Examples include sex toys, exploring sexual fantasies and role-playing. Sex toys are a great first tool for turning each other on, and can be great for making the experience more pleasurable, no matter what your gender or sexual orientation. And today, there are a wide variety of toys on the market that can fulfill your different needs and experiences.