Sexual Compatibility Is As Important As Spiritual Compatibility
In most households, "sex" is a dirty and forbidden word. It's an act that is not to be carried out unless it's done under the Christian code of conduct, and is said to be a sacred union that was created only for procreation.
Many of us who were raised In religious households have learned to feel shame in regards to our sexuality due to the Western ideology that preaches Christian core values as a primary belief system. This rhetoric of sexual repression makes it easier for us to devalue the importance of sexual compatibility. We've come to value spiritual, religious, and political compatibility, but tend to overlook how important it is to ensure that our general views on human sexuality are aligned with the person we hope to spend our lives with.
As women, we still are expected to act as though sex is a non-factor because our mothers and grandmothers taught us that this sinful act only serves one purpose. It's important to remember that the reality for previous generations of women were much different. Their perception of sexuality was stifled by arranged marriages, where daughters were sold off like cattle to live barefoot and pregnant.
Sexual compatibility was obviously not a priority, ultimately making this concept uncharted territory for younger generations. Thus, the burden falls on us to gain a greater understanding, and dare I say, finish the work that was started in the 60s (without the drugs?).
As we strive to break away from some traditions and maintain others, it seems that we're conflicted by diverging messages of hookup culture and the ideology of our parents who preached abstinence and celibacy.
The shift in societal norms, along with the independence that women have gained both personally and professionally, are significantly relevant to how we view sex in 2018.
Unlike the women and men that come before us, we've begun to depart from the ideology that casual, lustful sex is a sin; our disdain for relationships and the longer waits for marriage have prompted us to explore self-pleasure without the restrictions of tradition.
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This new way of life makes it difficult to ignore sexual incompatibility, simply because you can't forget what's in Pandora's Box once it's been opened.
After we've been given the opportunity learn and understand what turns us on sexually through casual encounters and situationships, we have a tendency to revert to the unknown when it's time to settle down.
Unfortunately, you can only ignore sexual incompatibility for so long. I think this is why sex is one of the most cited reasons for divorce.
Sexually aligning yourself with a partner requires a level of authenticity and transparency that we find shameful. It's an honest process that is not currently required of us because deep communication is not necessarily a prerequisite for hooking up.
Sexual compatibility isn't just getting it in all day every day, it means knowing your hard and soft limits when it comes to trying new things in the bedroom.
How much sex do you need to maintain a sense of happiness, and how much does your partner require? Is spontaneity important? Are you willing to try new things? Is simply trying them enough to appease your partner? What are your views on sexual assault?
What are the expectations on communication when you're not into the sex? What are your beliefs regarding sex education for your children? What are their feelings on homosexuality and transexuality? Would they embrace a child who felt uncertain of their sexuality?
It's important that you know your partner's answers to all of these questions, that is, unless you want to live a life of frustration and sexual repression.
Personally, I know that I need a partner who is most always in the mood and open to exploring my kinks. For me, this may seem like a fair request, but for others it may seem unreasonable.
I believe that sexual compatibility is more essential to a relationship than views on religion or politics. Sex is so tied into self, that the inability to reciprocate pleasure in a way that satisfies both parties could do some serious damage.
Featured image by Julian Myles on Unsplash
Motor City native, Atlanta living. Sagittarius. Writer. Sexpert. Into all things magical, mystical, and unknown. I'll try anything at least once but you knew that the moment I revealed that I was a Sag.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:Â Â
​Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
​Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
​Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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Featured image by Courtney Hale/Getty Images