What do you think about porn? Now, what do you think about someone consuming porn while in a committed relationship?
Pornography is one of those things that can be highly variable depending on the individuals involved, the communication between those individuals, their past behavior, and the current relationship conditions. Even the type of porn can be a factor. Therefore, partners may face a variety of scenarios. Here are some things to consider:
Scenario 1: We've been in a relationship for 6 years. Partner
Scenario 2: Both partners approve of some porn, but not specifics. Watch misogynistic movies online? They might agree that it's prohibited, but what about “ethical” or “feminist” porn websites? What about apps that offer audio porn?
Scenario 3: The partners agree to watch porn to turn up the heat, and Partner
Scenario 4: During a difficult third year of marriage, Partner
Scenario 5: Partner X and Partner Y both grew up in a culture that believed all porn was wrong and sinful. But they disagree and want to explore. Unfortunately, they never get around to it because they don't know how to talk to each other about their sexual orientation.
Scenario 6: Partner
So what can we conclude? Perhaps the only clear lesson is that porn, like everything else related to sex, is deeply personal. As with other sexual health issues, the best approach is for partners to communicate their needs and desires with each other. This way, they can create a set of collective values that are not fixed but can serve as a springboard for conversation as the relationship develops.
Are you interested in exploring porn and how it can affect your sex life? Are you interested in sex therapy? Schedule a free 10-minute phone consultation with Maze Men's Health today. Our experts can support you as you establish and work toward your sexual health goals.