3) Appreciate the approximation – when your partner does something close to what you like—be all over it!!! Rave a little! Don’t say, “well, it was kind of what I’ve been describing but not really…” Don’t tweak everything. Human behavior can best be shaped by repetitive positive reactions. Encourage small steps.

Some people listen and exclaim, “Exactly!” They are fun to communicate with because it’s like playing catch. You toss a ball and they catch it.  “Yes!” It is so satisfying to talk with them and everything flows. They aren’t faking being understood. Intuitively, super communicators know that understanding is a process and they very enthusiastically support every modicum of effort on their partner’s part to “get it.”

Other people are more anxious that they will never be understood. They are constantly correcting for perfection. Communication is tedious, interrupted. Sort of like barbed wire. Every whipstitch requires a detailed minor argument. Ugh. If you approach sex this same way, all the joy, fluidity, and feelings of satisfaction will be drained from the experience.

4) Accentuate the positive it  – No one, no ONE, NO ONE!, likes to hear criticism in bed. If you can’t say it with a positive spin, shrapnel will explode and damage every aspect of your sex life. Just stop. Shut up. Don’t say anything. Finish this sentence… “I would love it in bed, if you…”

5) Act with integrity – sometimes this may mean saying, “I love you. I want you. If you don’t want sex or sex with me then we need to break up.” This is so scary. Especially if there are vows and children and mortgages. I’m not saying give an ultimatum, I’m saying: tell the truth. Never, ever say this unless you are absolutely at your end… like about-to-have-an-affair-with-the-secretary-end.

I’m asked, “Is it ever justified to end a marriage due to no sex?” First, let me say I have tremendous hope about helping people make sex hotter and better.  I’ve seen lots of “no-sex” marriages recover. Sexual problems are always, always, always system problems… that means you contribute to the problems too.

But fidelity is a two-edged sword. It’s a promise to stay away from all others and a way into an alive, erotic life with your partner.

Pick a timeframe and watch and see what happens. Don’t listen to words; pay attention to actions.  If your partner says they will do anything to change but don’t go to therapy, read everything, and really struggle… reassess. Don’t nag, simply observe. What happens without the push from your end. Check in with friends or a therapist to see if your expectations are unrealistic.

About our Guest:

Laurie Watson, author of Wanting Sex Again, 2012 is an AASECT certified sex therapist and licensed couple’s therapist. Popular media personality, speaker and educator, she lectures at Duke University’s and UNC Chapel Hill’s medical schools on sexuality, intimacy and relationships. In practice for over 23 years, she’s the clinical director for Awakenings – Center for Intimacy and Sexuality in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Couples’ retreats, media appearances, interviews, lecture requests, appointments and Skype counseling are all handled through Awakenings. Link towww.LaurieWatson.com

Get her daily blog on AskLaurieWatson. You can find her book Wanting Sex Again on Amazon and at your local bookstore.  For weekend retreats, intensives and consultations go to Sex Therapy.