This article was co-authored by Alysha Jeney, MA, LMFT and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Alysha Jeney is a Licensed Relationship Therapist, the Owner of Modern Love Counseling, and the Co-Founder of The Modern Love Box. She specializes in relationship therapy, intimacy building, and existential exploration. Alysha holds a BA in Psychology from The Metropolitan State University of Denver and an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling from Regis University. She has been featured in publications such as The Washington Post and The Huffington Post.
There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Relationships can be tricky waters to navigate, especially if you’re starting to take things to the next level. If thinking about having sex or you’ve just started getting intimate, you may be wondering if you and your partner are on the same page. Look over the answers to some of the most common questions people have, and see if they clear things up a little bit.
Steps
What does being sexually compatible mean?
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Sexual compatibility is a fancy term for how in-tune you are with your partner. This chalks up to your sexual preferences and desires, your beliefs or attitudes towards sex, your turn-ons, and what your needs are. Basically, the more sexual compatibility you have with your partner, the more satisfied you’ll feel after you’re both intimate together.
- For example, if you and your partner have similar kinks, you’re probably very compatible in the bedroom.
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Sexual compatibility isn’t just physical. It’s about how similar you and your partner’s needs and desires are on a mental, emotional, and behavioral level.[1] A lot of people find that when they’re more sexually compatible, they feel happier with their relationship overall.Advertisement
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Sexual compatibility often comes down to perception. You can have different turn-ons and still be compatible with your partner. What matters most is that both you and your partner feel satisfied and happy with your sex lives, even if you have different preferences.[2] To be truly compatible, you both need to able to openly talk about your sexual needs and boundaries.[3]
What does it feel like to be sexually compatible with your partner?
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You’re satisfied with the intimacy in your relationship. When you’re sexually compatible with your partner, you’ll feel a lot more fulfilled after sex. This sense of happiness and fulfillment helps you feel happier and more satisfied with your relationship.
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You feel a lot happier in your relationship overall. If you and your partner are on the save wavelength in the bedroom, you’ll probably feel more fulfilled and happy with your relationship overall. If you aren’t meeting each other’s needs and desires, your relationship may suffer because of it.[4]
How do I know if I’m compatible with someone?
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You’re both engaged and interested when things get intimate. You can both get into the rhythm, and you both end up feeling satisfied afterward. Generally, when you’re sexually compatible, you’ll have sex a fairly frequent basis, and not once in a blue moon.
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You’re probably incompatible if you just aren’t lining up with your partner. You both might have trouble finding the right rhythm, or finding a style that you both really like. Additionally, you or your partner might not feel very engaged, or like you need to satisfy yourself separately after the fact.[5] Studies show that people who need to pleasure themselves a lot within a relationship aren’t usually sexually satisfied.[6]
What should I do if I’m incompatible with my partner?
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Meet with a therapist if mental or emotional issues are causing the problem. If you and your partner aren’t on the same page sexually, there might be something else at play. Schedule an appointment with a psychotherapist—there might be some deeper issues that are getting between you and your partner.
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Talk to a sex therapist to get a more experienced perspective. Similar to marriage counseling, sex therapy tackles sex-related issues at their roots. Explain what’s been going on, and see if your therapist can shed some light on what might be causing the incompatibility.
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Stop by a sex shop to change things up. If you and your partner don’t have a lot in common in the bedroom, you might just need to expand your repertoire. Browse your local sex shop and see if there are any toys that appeal to both of you.
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Try an open relationship if your partner is okay with it. This option definitely isn’t for everyone, but it might be a good option if sex is becoming something of a roadblock in your relationship. Talk with your partner about a possible arrangement that could work for both of you, and leave you both feeling satisfied and happy.[7]
How do you know if you’re good in bed?
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You’ll feel good about it, and your partner will, too. If you’re skilled in bed, you’ll feel confident when it comes time to be intimate. You’ll also be flexible, and willing to change things up a bit. You’ll also understand your own personal needs, and go the extra mile to climax whenever you’re intimate.
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Your partner will be into it. Sex can be an abstract part of a relationship—you and your partner probably aren’t giving each other really in-depth feedback and compliments. Still, if your partner is engaged and turned on, they probably think you’re doing a great job.[9]
Expert Q&A
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QuestionCan a kiss determine compatibility?Alysha Jeney, MA, LMFTAlysha Jeney is a Licensed Relationship Therapist, the Owner of Modern Love Counseling, and the Co-Founder of The Modern Love Box. She specializes in relationship therapy, intimacy building, and existential exploration. Alysha holds a BA in Psychology from The Metropolitan State University of Denver and an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling from Regis University. She has been featured in publications such as The Washington Post and The Huffington Post.
Licensed Relationship TherapistA kiss alone doesn't determine your compatibility. Instead, you both need to have the same attitudes and expectations about what sex represents in your relationship. -
QuestionHow do you know you're not sexually compatible?Alysha Jeney, MA, LMFTAlysha Jeney is a Licensed Relationship Therapist, the Owner of Modern Love Counseling, and the Co-Founder of The Modern Love Box. She specializes in relationship therapy, intimacy building, and existential exploration. Alysha holds a BA in Psychology from The Metropolitan State University of Denver and an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling from Regis University. She has been featured in publications such as The Washington Post and The Huffington Post.
Licensed Relationship TherapistYou might have trouble communicating your needs, boundaries, and curiosities in an effective way with your partner. You might also have some trouble feeling comfortable and vulnerable around each other in sexy situations.
Tips
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If you’re having trouble getting things going, try watching an adult video with your partner. This might help set the mood, or give you both some ideas for when you get intimate.[11]Thanks
References
- ↑ Alysha Jeney, MA, LMFT. Licensed Relationship Therapist. Expert Interview. 11 August 2021.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-pleasure/201203/sexual-compatibility-the-importance-your-satisfaction
- ↑ Alysha Jeney, MA, LMFT. Licensed Relationship Therapist. Expert Interview. 11 August 2021.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-pleasure/201203/sexual-compatibility-the-importance-your-satisfaction
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/news/a58773/signs-you-are-not-sexually-compatible/
- ↑ https://europepmc.org/article/med/25402432
- ↑ https://www.insider.com/bad-sex-how-to-make-it-better-2019-1#watch-porn-together-5
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/contemplating-divorce/201311/3-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-marry-love-alone
- ↑ https://www.insider.com/am-i-good-in-bed-2018-2