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Summary

The article discusses the reasons why people close their eyes during sex, emphasizing the psychological aspects that enhance physical pleasure and sometimes relate to feelings of embarrassment or the desire to enhance imagination.

Abstract

The article "Do You Have Sex With Your Eyes Closed?" explores the psychological reasons behind why individuals might choose to close their eyes during intimate moments. Mia Sabat, a certified sex therapist, explains that closing one's eyes can heighten physical pleasure by allowing the brain to focus solely on tactile sensations, unhindered by other senses. This behavior is attributed to the brain's optimized processing of physical stimulation when touch is the primary focus. However, Sabat also acknowledges that some people may close their eyes due to embarrassment about their appearance or to immerse themselves in a fantasy world. The article suggests that keeping eyes open during sex can also be beneficial, fostering intimacy and a deeper connection through shared eye contact, but emphasizes that personal preference should guide one's choice, as there is no right or wrong approach.

Opinions

  • Mia Sabat believes that closing eyes during sex helps individuals concentrate on physical pleasure, as the brain processes touch more effectively without visual distractions.
  • Some individuals may close their eyes during sex due to feelings of embarrassment or shame about their bodies.
  • Closing eyes can also be a way to enhance one's imagination and create a more intense experience by entering a world of fantasy.
  • Sabat encourages couples to try having sex with their eyes open to experience unfiltered reactions and build intimacy, but only if both partners are comfortable with it.
  • The article conveys that there is no correct way to experience sex regarding eye contact; it is a matter of personal preference and comfort.

Do You Have Sex With Your Eyes Closed?

There are some psychological reasons why

Photo by IgorVetushko on DepositPhotos

Do you have sex with your eyes closed? Have you ever asked yourself why?

Although this may seem like a way to heighten the romance when we’re connecting with our partners during intimate moments, according to Mia Sabat, in-house certified sex therapist at Emjoy, closing our eyes is actually a way for us to make those encounters more physically enjoyable.

“We actually close our eyes during sex to help our brains focus on the pleasurable, physical stimulation that we are experiencing in the moment. Most of us feel more connected to pleasure when our eyes are closed — this is because our brains process physical stimulation better when they can focus on touch, without being distracted by our other senses,” said Sabat. “In fact, research has actually found that kissing or having sex becomes more pleasurable when our eyes are closed, as these types of actions require an ‘optimized’ sense of touch. Essentially, closing our eyes during intimate moments helps us to be present and embrace the overall experience, so that we can feel the most pleasure possible.”

However, Sabat notes that it’s not all about the physical stimulation. She says that in some cases, people may close their eyes during sex because they feel embarrassed or ashamed of how they look. Other people may do it because having closed eyes helps to enhance their imagination, so they can truly enter a world of fantasy as they’re with their partner.

“Keeping our eyes open can benefit an experience, too — it enables us to see each other’s unfiltered reactions, build intimacy, and create a special connection with our partner.”

No matter why you do it, Sabat says it may be a good idea to try having sex with your eyes open from time to time.

“If you and your partner usually keep your eyes closed during sex, it might be worth having a conversation about consciously bringing more eye contact into these intimate moments,” she said. “Keeping our eyes open can benefit an experience, too — it enables us to see each other’s unfiltered reactions, build intimacy, and create a special connection with our partner. For some, eye contact can be really difficult — so be sure to talk to your partner about trying this beforehand to make sure everyone feels comfortable and confident. Regardless of your preference, know that it’s neither right, nor wrong, to keep your eyes open or closed during sex — it’s entirely up to you.”

More from Kiki Wellington:

Sexuality
Relationships
Intimacy
Psychology
Eyes
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