Love + Sex

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Sex with the Enemy

Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil for SuccessTelevision.com

Here's a side effect of the recession that you may not have been aware of: more and more couples who have been planning to separate or get divorced are putting off their plans and continuing to live under one roof. They’re doing so, naturally, for multiple, personal reasons, but studies have found it's typically either because divorce proceedings are too expensive right now, or because they can’t figure out how to split up what was once assets, and may now instead be liabilities. I call this problem “sleeping with the enemy,” and - contrary to what we may believe about that phrase - it can have a positive outcome.

For too long, divorce has been viewed - by some - as "the easy way out." Now, financial constraints are forcing people to take a second look at their relationship and hopefully in many cases they’ll be able to work out their differences . One way my seem kind of obvious, but none-the-less completely legit - sex! Heated arguments can lead to great sex and when you’re still living under the same roof, you have the opportunity to allow this to happen. This isn't necessarily healthy in all situations, but if you handle it correctly, it can often re-create the feeling you had when you had sex early on in your relationship, or it can almost create the feeling of having an affair with your own partner.

I talk about a theory I developed called the bio-chemical craving for connection, in my book Financial Infidelity. Basically, it states that we’re all – to a certain extent – driven by the need for that dopamine high we get when we engage in pleasurable – and sometimes risky – behavior. This is what can lead someone into spending money behind someone’s back or conducting an illicit affair – and it’s the feeling that can be created when you’re having sex for the first time “all over again.”

On the surface, you’re in a situation that may allow you to re-create the initial feelings you had for your partner. But underneath, you’re putting your relationship back together. Sex with your partner is another, much less risky way to fulfill your need for connection and get the high you’re looking for. Because your actions leading up to sex release endorphins, and the act of sex itself facilitates calming hormones, you’ll end up feeling much better.  I would argue that in stressful, unstable times, sex IS a necessity, as it does much more than simply work to our advantage scientifically.

Other Stories from SuccessTelevision.com

Syndication:

From the Community…

Be the first to comment on this post.

leave your comment

You must sign in to post a comment

Sign In for personalized information

New User? Sign Up

Updates Chatter on Shine…

Love Byte

Skip the multiple-choice quiz, and read up on if you're a mom, a nag, too clingy, or perfect in every way. Aren't we all?