Matt Lachman LPCC-S, CST

Often the issue is not a lack of desire for a partner. It is that the brain and body have become so consumed with managing stress that pleasure has quietly slipped to the bottom of the priority list.

Yes but a couple of questions worth asking: Are you genuinely interested in maintaining a friendship, or are you hoping friendship becomes a pathway back into the relationship?

People change and longevity is not the same goal as sustainability. Maybe ask: If opening the relationship was not an option, what would I want to do?

Not only can having sex in water cause irritation of the genitals, but natural bodies of water also come with the risk of infection from bacteria.

The harder we try to force an erection, the more pressure we create. The more pressure we create, the harder it becomes to relax into pleasure. It is a frustrating cycle.

The journey to living an authentic life is not always straightforward, but the first step is often allowing yourself to stop fighting your own existence, even at an older age.

Most people don’t snoop on their partner’s phone without some underlying issues of trust, but that doesn’t excuse it. Honest and open conversations are the way through to connection.

You are allowed to say what you can and cannot do. The difference is that you are not forcing someone else to change in order for you to feel okay.

An honest and open conversation can build a foundation for a deeper connection, even if she’s not sure of the idea or not interested.

It’s less about mastering a perfect technique and more about being curious and building connection. If he enjoys it and you are showing up present and engaged, you are already doing a lot right.

What likely started as a physical challenge has now become layered with psychological weight. A willingness to work toward meanginful connection is a good place to start.