A healthy sexuality means that you are able to express your sexuality and enjoy it in your life. From having healthy relationships to positive sexual interactions, learning how to have a healthy sexuality can benefit the way that you live. Humans are naturally sexual beings who want to reach out to others for closeness and support.
Healthy Sexuality = Freedom From Guilt
Some people—especially those raised in certain religious organizations—are taught to feel ashamed or guilty of their sexual natures. Humans are designed to have sexual relationships, and it is not something to feel guilty about. Your sexuality is integrally connected to your emotional, physical and mental well-being. To experience positive sexuality, individuals must have a relationship that is free from fear, violence and coercion. Once both partners have attained an emotional and mental balance, they are better able to interact in a close romantic and sexual relationship.
Sexuality Goes Beyond the Sexual
While sexuality often implies sexual intercourse, it actually encompasses a wider range of interactions. Instead of just expressing yourself through intercourse, you may want to share fun activities, feelings, hugs or warm touch with your partner. Whatever you use to give and receive pleasure can be considered a part of your sexual relationship. Physical intimacy is expressed on many different levels, so there is no reason to focus solely on just sexual intercourse.
How to Have a Healthy Sexual Relationship
The key to a successful relationship is communication. It is important for both partners to feel comfortable with communicating their likes and dislikes. When discussing sex, the conversation should be respectful. If one partner does not want to have sex, the other must learn to accept the refusal without feeling insulted or hostile. Before intercourse, both partners will need to discuss their limitations. They may want to discuss contraceptive use, condoms and personal preferences. Each person must listen to the other’s boundaries and limitations.
Improving Self-Esteem
To have a healthy sexual life and sexuality, individuals must learn how to appreciate their own bodies and be conscious of what their body is trying to say. Ideally, both partners should feel joy, closeness and positive sexual feelings during their interaction. When a sexual relationship is a strong one, both individuals feel confident about expressing themselves, their boundaries and their desires.
Building a Relationship
Although it is not a necessity, many sexual relationships develop into a romantic relationship or a close friendship. With this in mind, it is important to choose a partner who is trustworthy and safe. Someone who is abusive or exploitative should be avoided because this type of relationship is not conducive to a healthy sexuality.
If you are uncertain if you have a healthy sexual life and attitude, ask yourself some questions. Are you happy? Do you feel satisfied with your relationship and your ability to express yourself in it? Does your partner feel satisfied and content in the relationship? If both partners feel healthy, happy and satisfied in the relationship, you most likely have a healthy sexuality. There is always room to grow and learn how to communicate better, but you are well on your way to a satisfying, positive connection.