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Sexual Compatibility - How better to phrase it?

Am I the only one who thinks that the profile question "Is sexual compatibility important to you?" is not asking the right question? I think that the only people to whom sexual compatibility is not important are people that are inexperienced in matters of long term love, or those who are either oblivious or uncaring about the damage that it causes when sexual incompatibility exists. I think that the real question is "Do you have a high, moderate or a low drive?" After all, if both people have the same drive, they will be much happier in the long run. I know that drives can be affected by emotional issues within the relationship, but that exception aside, what are your thoughts?

Addendum:
Relationships are complicated, no matter how you look at them. They are 2 or more people choosing to remain in communication with one another for some purpose. Add into that connection an agreement that the relationship is of a sexual or romantic nature and it gets more complicated. I know that building a happy, healthy relationship requires work, compromise and respect between its members. My question is targeted solely towards a better way of communicating sexual compatibility. When I wrote this question, I wasn't even thinking about compatibility of tastes, and I appreciate the broadening of the issue - because yes, same drive, different pleasures can also make a huge difference in how you relate sexually and the impact it has on a relationship.

That said, my question still remains the same, for those that agree with me that the question could be better phrased: What would be a better question? Obviously, once you start talking to someone and trust them, you will get more specific - but what is a good starter question, for those who choose to answer it?

FlippantLlama 8 July 8
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58 comments

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4

It is an unnecessary question. If the 2 people don’t find each other attractive and the sex isn’t satisfying, then there is no basis for a romantic relationship.

@maturin1919 Of course, but what are you gauging by comparing YES or NO? It's more important to know something more specific, like frequency, level of kink, etc.

@GinaMaria I don't think those things need to be asked in the initial profile but possiblity in a follow-up set or something. I think that if I were asked those kinds of questions right off the bat I would wonder what kind of site I was registering for!?

@GinaMaria i think that should be asked individually. I learned from answering really intimate questions on OK cupid, ot knowing new searches came up on the opening page. I don't want everyone to know.

@GinaMaria I think it is important for someone to engage in self-reflection and understand what does attract them sexually. It sounds simple but a lot of people are too insecure to honestly explore these questions. However, in a dating profile I would not publish the information. Honestly, I would first make sure the person is friend zone material before anything else.

@GinaMaria, @gigihein Exactly!

@gigihein
No way was I suggesting that those be answers that are public. Just for ranking compatibility. Plenty of dating sites ask for information that isn't published.

1

Perhaps some people are looking for Platonic relationships?

@Bjy001 I think they'd be looking for compatibility without sex, actually.

Just not sexual compatibility.

@Bjy001 it's a preference, a non-sexual one.

4

Guess I'll be the old fashioned person here. I'd like to get to know someone a bit, like probably in person, before discussing sexual preferences. I mean, seriously, I'd like to find out if someone is compatible in so many ways that can only be determined by getting to know someone. If the chemistry is there, the sexual compatibility will be there. I've never thought that choosing a mate should be like checking off a list of qualities and activities. Of course that is the real problem with online dating. It's an attempted shortcut that can never really substitute for actually getting to know someone. I understand that it is difficult to make connections in this day and age, particularly for the agnostic community and especially for us older folks, so we do use online, but still, it is very limited. What I like about this site is that there seem to be avenues to get to know people.

I also have trouble with the question about sex in the activities section. If I list sex as a hobby, does that mean I am interested in hanging out at sex clubs or interested in screwing a new guy a week? If it is in reference to relationships, then it needn't be there since (as someone else put it) duh, most everyone is interested in sex within the context of a relationship. If someone holds an extreme position on sex, maybe they should just mention it in their profile.

You would think that most everyone was interested in that. You would be wrong. This is one of the many reasons I ended up divorced. I listed it as an interest just to make sure people know where I stand.

@Paul4747 So where do you stand? Is sex like a hobby for you?

@itsmedammit
It's definitely something I need in a relationship. If I'm not in a relationship, I do without, but it's on my mind that I'm doing without. Worst of all was being in a marriage and doing without, because my ex, after 10 years, plainly said she had no interest whatsoever in sex anymore. But she would lay down for me whenever I wanted, which was... depressing. She would let me "have my way" out of obligation, because I was the husband, was the message that came across. I became depressed and eventually more or less impotent because my wife wanted nothing to do with me physically. Not just sex, almost any form of physical affection other than a ritual goodnight kiss.

So where I stand is that anyone interested in me needs to know that I consider sexuality and physical closeness a vital part of a relationship. I might as well get that out front, I figured.

@Paul4747 I wonder if the lack of interest in sex is more a symptom of no longer being interested in the relationship, rather than just a lack of interest in sex. Sounds like what happens in a lot of marriages, when either partner checks out emotionally. Sorry you went through that.

What I was getting at was when someone lists sex as an interest or vice, whatever, it sounds to me more like a hobby, like maybe the person hangs out in sex clubs or whatever.

@itsmedammit Thank you. I think in retrospect we weren't compatible to begin with, she's from a very traditional religious family and at a certain point I think she felt a wife becomes a "mother" and that's when those kind of goings-on are supposed to stop. She was a homemaker and mother and companion, but no longer a lover.

I saw what you were getting at, hopefully you understand what I mean when I say it's probably not at all like that for most people. Simply stating that sex is an important part of life and explicitly something we expect in a relationship. I think that's why most people who check that box do so, it's certainly my reason.

@Paul4747 Thanks for your explanation.

3

As others have said, sexual compatibility is a lot more than your individual drive.

True fetishes where someone cannot orgasm without the stimuli are fairly rare and if the other isn't into that there's always therapy, I'd suggest a Certified Sex Therapist.

Maybe I'm naive here, but IME while sex is essential, if everything else is going well then sex also goes well. Even if one person isn't in the mood, it's usually easy to get turned on bc the person you care about is hot and wants to turn you on.

If your lover really wants to do something and they're not selfish, then you should make them happy. If what you want absolutely disgusts them, then your respect for and concern for them should win out over your desires.

Communication is essential, I've actually adopted some of the religious teachings on healthy sexuality I had in seminary where open, non-judgmental dialog is critical. If someone is unhappy with sex, it needs to be discussed thoroughly and without judgment from either party. There shouldn't be any topics that are totally closed off IMO and that includes things in the bedroom, but just bc people discuss fantasies, that doesn't mean they have to play them all out.

I agree. If any topics of conversation are tabu, intimacy is lacking. Wbo eants to trip over sacred cows. There are too many other things to worry about, like which direction the toilet paper should hang.

@gigihein oh crap! You had to bring up the toilet paper roll... "A"!, Always "A"! (forward- feeding) lol 😉

@gigihein in my opinion, the only sacred cows in a relationship should be intimacy, concern and mutual respect.

@TroyBarber64 well have TP match

@educatedredneck absolutely

1

Did you ever flash your tits in public? (Mardi Gras beads)
Do you like or love anal sex?
Do you swallow cum?
Would you go to a swingers party.
Ever had a threesome?
Ever fucked a person from another race?

If your answer to these questions is no way, never or I'm not going to answer that then we're done here. If you're not mature enough to answer these common experiences honestly then you and I certainly wouldn't be compatable. This is life not a guessing game.

@goldenvalleyguy
No way! You can't trust those fucking squirrels. ?

@Alvinsmama

What time should I pick you up? ???

6

I'm open to add sex-related questions such as "Do you have a high, moderate or a low sex drive?" or even "What are you into? oral, sex, anal, bdsm, toys, role play, fetish" ... and only show the answers to people who have also filled them out.

Admin Level 9 July 9, 2018

"How important is sex in a relationship? not important, somewhat important, very important" ... might be analog to "sex drive". "What is your sexual style? N/A, romantic, intimate, adventurous, sub, Dom, passive, Olympic, other [multiple choice]"

@CoastRiderBill I'm agnostic on what people use this site for so long as it improves their lives (and is legal). We have to be careful, however, to care for the overall community.

0

I think you’re right. Another way to put it is: are you (a ) (1) Nymphomaniac, (2) Normal or (3) Frigid.
?

@FlippantLlama
Me, of course.

Or a Satyromaniac? 😉

Funny

6

I think they are both important. No guy will ever be able to match my drive. However, if you think sex once a week is enough or you only like gentle sex, you don't give oral....we're not going to work. ? Also I wish this site would add all kinds of questions like OkCupid.

Kanda Level 5 July 8, 2018

I agree with your comment about OKC. And... OKC allowed members to contribute those questions. @Admin

That is a great idea. Okcupid does have a lot of questions.

1

The way I took the question is if one of you is more sexual or less sexual would that be means to end the relationship.

In my best relationships I would have sex about everyday. We might miss a few due to sick days and shark week, but most of the time someone is getting off lol.

That is my take and I think it is important.

@McWalsoft Shark week. LMAO

1

[] cunnilingus [] falashio
[] Coitus ( sub category ) [] any thing in the Kama Sutra goes. [] only missionary [] doggie style is a must
[] Fetish
So it needs some detail, just throwing a suggestion.

@SACatWalker

Lol!

@SACatWalker You misinterpreted that check next to coitus then check subcategory

4

I think the question is intentionally vague. I've seen other users who were concerned about the responses they might get if they indicate they are open to sex. But it's also about more than just how active your sex drive is. Your preferences, fetishes, orientation, etc. all factor into your compatibility.

Again, I don't know if I would regester if those were the types of questions that I would be comfortable answering right off the bat!

@Angelastras i think tney are always optional. In OKC you can't read an answer of someones if you didnt answer it. Also members create questions. I amsweted kber a thousand because I wanted to see someones answer. At that point I got a message I could create questions.

1

Drive will vary over time due to a number of factors. I believe commitment is much more important over the long term than compatible drive levels.

I don't know. It may, but it may not. A relationship with the only compatibility being sex, doesnt work over time...but the absence of it with all else good would be a deal breaker for me, I think.

2

For me sexual intimacy, curiosity, and libido are important but other things need to be a good fit, like common interests, enjoying being with each other, , intellectually stimulating, and having h fun are needed to feel the connection and desire to explore sexuality together. Even though I was sexually compatible with my last partner wouldnt mean I want that as this is a new person and it will be new and expansive to choreograph our uniwue experience. I would rather have a blank canvas to create all of the relationship instead of use past ones for a checklist of what I want now. I need a break between relationships to get in touch again as just me. Anytime I or the new partner
has been fresh out of a prior relationship or seems that way mentally ( still bitter or blaming the other partner, it isnt a clean slate to create on. The partner loving sex helps too, as there are some who don't seem to.

Exactly! Every connection is different (not in the +/- sense), people relate to others differently, and no two combinations are alike. We go through life discovering what we like and what we don't, it's a process.

Are people patterns ? Is love a 3 letter word for people in breeding fertile years ? I don't buy the message that women are always available to their chosen partner. ....pregnancy illness or just plain yeast can delay "libido" .....how many women turn on a dime from breastfeeding to lover with the baby dad ? Compatibility to me is a lifelong promise of intimate caring rather than score keeping coitus

4

Many of the questions for building a profile on this site do little justice to actually get to know someone, like including "sex" as an option for something one enjoys... Well, duh! We're f-n humans, of course we like sex, but after checking that box, I was like: "wait, what? Does that make me sound like a pig?"...

As far as compatibility goes, that is case by case, and in how two people evolve with each other (for the sake of argument, I am using "two" as the beginning standard). Compatibility isn't always smooth on the first go round, but that doesn't mean that it won't get better.

I use this site for community, I have never done online dating, but the whole "what do you enjoy?" question cracks me up, because my answer would be "smoking, drinking, fucking" - not that I have a problem with long walks on the beach - as long as they result in fucking, smoking, and drinking... Maybe I'm too honest 😉

"Well, duh! We're f-n humans, of course we like sex" - I've met more than a few along the way, who admitted to not wanting/liking sex - women and men, for various reasons.
Best not to assume.

@evergreen you're probably right, but at 54 years old, I've never met any of them. I've met people with different expectations in frequency, but haven't met anyone with no interest at all...

4

is your Kinky Syncy?

You are a beautiful human bean!

@OpposingOpposum wow. thanks. you're gonna ruin my reputation...lol ?

5

I think compatibility is purposefully vague because what is compatible for one person might not be the same for another and part of the relationship process is to figure that out. If there is no chemistry, why bother going any further by asking if your date is into bondage, anal sex, or whatever. Drive has nothing to do with compatible interests, but you are correct, frequency can be an issue. Sex once a week might be acceptable to some; sex three times a day for others. Interesting question you pose...

I agree. It is as unique as each coupling

2

Yes, I also thought that was an odd question. Of course sexual compatibility would be important, whether the couple was in agreement that never or frequent is best. But then I thought maybe the question is geared toward matching up answers to related data collected such as gender identity and sexual preferences, as well as goals for who you'd like to meet, friends, dating or hookups, etc.

Maybe the question should be more like "how important is intimacy to you" or "are you seeking an intimate partner, intellectual mate, friend, companion or some/all of the above?" I would think that every relationship is different and sexual appetite might depend on what is being served. So degree or frequency would depend on the chemistry between the partners.

2

I believe that it is important to be satisfied or sexually fulfilled because if you are lacking the things that you need to be happy and you can't make someone else happy! For example if you don't like what you are watching on TV you change the channel, if you don't like a book you are reading you find a new book. And the same will happen with sex, if you aren't having enough or it isn't satisfying then you will eventually find it with someone else!

4

Has anyone actually answered that question with a no? I'd like to hear the reasons behind it. Curious minds would like to know.

I think it can be read differently. For instance, some may see "sexual compatibility" and interpret it to mean sexual attractiveness, and respond that it doesn't matter because they're interested in an intellectual connection.

3

I agree. It would be useful to include that question: 'Do you have a High, Moderate, Low sex drive?'

Of course, sometimes it fluctuates.

I don't think it helps to call those who don't value sexual compatibility 'inexperienced' or 'uncaring'.

2

To.me compatibility isnt as much drive, as it is to being into the same things sexually.

1

It could be phrased you like dick,minge, both or neither ? That should cover all bases

1

Granted if people are interested they canh lern wht their partner likes and thus become sexually compatible. However, I had had partners who were only concerned with their own gratification.

Perhaps the question should be "Do you think it is important for your sexual partner(s) to enjoy sex as much as you do yourself?" But, would a selfish person answer that honestly?

That may come up in other areas of the relationship too.

0

Just completely do away with the question.

You're a hermit. Why the fuck would you care?☺

3

I think the question should be "How flexible are you in your own sexual practices in being able to meet a potential partner's needs?" As you indicated, most people want sexual compatibility. But the real question is how far are you willing to go in order to achieve "compatibility"? One might have never experienced anything other than missionary sex which on the face of it could lead a potential partner who has been down the BDSM road to think that there is no chance for compatibility. Knowing how "adventurous" a potential partner might be is much more informative than just comparing compatibility or drive levels.

Perhaps it should be something like "Rate yourself on these three aspects of sex on a scale of 1 to 10. How adventurous do you think you are?, How high is your sex drive?, How important is emotional intimacy to your desire for sexual relations?"

I think this would make a much better starting point for the discussion about compatibility.

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