Relationship experts address impact of marital conflict on intimacy

In a relationship advice column titled ‘Couples Therapy’ by Postoj, a reader describes how frequent marital arguments are negatively impacting her sexual desire. The reader, who has been with her husband for ten years and has two children, notes that while her husband moves on quickly from disagreements, she feels increasing alienation and finds intimacy to be an ‘extraordinary feat’ following conflicts.

Relationship experts responded by stating that her reaction is not unusual. They explained that she views sexuality as a form of closeness and unity rather than just a physical need. The experts advised against attempting to distance herself emotionally or forcing intimacy as a ‘marital duty,’ noting that her lack of desire is a signal from her body that she feels distant from her partner after arguments.