How to be happy: 'My love of sex makes me feel like a pervert'

Saturday 18 August 2007 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Am I being unreasonable by wanting sex with my beautiful wife more than once a day? It makes her feel bad because she doesn't want to as often and I feel I must be perverted. In every other way our relationship is great. Angus.

Step 1: Be reassured

You are not perverted. You have a very energetic libido and it is naturally focussed on your gorgeous wife. Thinking of yourself as being a pervert places unnecessary pressure on your relationship. Sex, after all, is one of the most joyful and meaningful ways of expressing our love and is a vital ingredient in keeping our relationships emotionally connected and alive. The hormones secreted after orgasm include oxytocin which helps bond our relationship. It also makes us feel wonderful, releasing pleasure hormones that give us the most natural of highs, so it is not surprising that you want to make love as often as possible. A love of sex is both normal and healthy.

Step 2: Accept

Everyone, however, is different and the fact that your sexual desire surpasses that of your wife's is not unusual. Let go of the idea that you are being unreasonable and accept the reality that you enjoy sex and want lots of it. Acknowledging this truth about yourself – while also respecting your wife's wishes – will help you have a different dialogue with your internal judge who tells you that you are perverse. By respecting her unique sexuality you will help her relinquish the idea that she is somehow "bad" by not always giving you what you want. Accepting that you have different appetites will create a deeper understanding of your shared desires and bring you closer.

Step 3: Experiment

Remember that your libido is not confined to sex. Open up your curiosity about your own creativity and find other outlets for this most fundamental of drives. Also remember that closeness and intimacy can be generated in many ways other than sex. Have a frank conversation with your wife about how you can pleasure each other in ways that are non-sexual. Make sure you have time to unwind, so that there isn't pressure on either of you to perform in any way.

If you have any problems you would like Cecilia to address anonymously, email c.dfelice@independent.co.uk.

Cecilia is Mind journalist of the year

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in