What are some of the obstacles to meaningful conversations about sexuality? How can these be alleviated?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The following are some obstacles that may block having easy and meaningful conversations about sexuality:

Sex myths: To be good in bed, do you have to be a mind reader? The reality is that people feel they should "just know" what arouses their partner without communicating. This reality presents a great disservice for many people. Learning to feel comfortable with anatomically correct information is a great start to being a better communicator about sex because talking about it is more reliable than trying to read the minds of others.
Sexual fear: Many individuals walk around with a lot of fear about sexuality. Common fears include sexual performance, sexual rejection, or making a fool of oneself. Sex can bring many people to their most vulnerable point and this means that fear can arise quite easily. Fearing sexuality can cut people off from others and can make communicating nearly impossible.
Negative beliefs about sex: Many people are from families, cultures, or communities that express negative sex beliefs. For some, these beliefs relate to their bodies and the idea that the sexual parts of the body are ugly, dirty, and a source of shame. Others were raised with universal or religious-based sanctions against sexual pleasure. These beliefs can hinder people from engaging in positive conversations about sexuality.
Lack of sex information: It is difficult to have a conversation about sex when there is no sexual information to draw from. A lack of sexual education may cause some sexual communication problems in the United States. A lack of basic knowledge of sexual organs and their function, contraceptives, and STIs makes a real conversation difficult.
Privacy and boundaries: People tend to be private about sexuality. As they age, they usually become more private with sexual information rather than more open about it. People's sense of privacy affects their ability not only to communicate but also to purchase contraception or to purchase items that may enhance their sexual experience. Privacy is important to be comfortable about their sexuality, but it should also enhance their ability to communicate about it. Also, a clear sense of personal boundaries is critical because feeling confident in their ability to stretch within their boundaries may ultimately build their ability to communicate.