Therapists often observe couples who are engaged in what is called the sex and affection cycle. This cycle is when one person decides to withhold intimacy due to them feeling as though the other partner is not giving them the proper levels of affection. The good news is, that even by one partner choosing to withdraw from their behavior, the cycle will end. A cycle can only continue when two parties are consistently involved in participation.
Key Takeaways:
- Viscous cycles happen when a couple cannot resolve continuous differences that are apparent in their relationship.
- The sex and affection cycle is defined as one person withholds intimacy because the other is withholding adequate levels of affection.
- These common differences are completely natural within marriages, and it is best to resolve them before they cause bitterness.
“In this blog, I want to talk about the affection-sex vicious cycle which we psychologists treat frequently in couple’s counseling.”