avatarDarlene López

Summary

The author, Darlene López, reflects on how witnessing a couple's relationship struggles made her appreciate her own relationship's resilience and passion, leading to a deeper connection and a more intimate sex life with her partner.

Abstract

Darlene López shares her experience of how the turmoil in another couple's relationship inadvertently reignited the passion in her own. She emphasizes that her intention is not to compare or wish ill on others but to highlight the contrast that brought gratitude and a sense of contentment to her partnership. Through empathy and support for the struggling couple, López and her partner found themselves more attracted to each other, fostering open communication about their desires and fantasies. This openness, coupled with the challenges of parenthood and work, has been instrumental in maintaining a fulfilling sex life and a strong emotional bond.

Opinions

  • The author believes in providing support and empathy to friends in troubled relationships, suggesting therapy and maintaining communication.
  • She values the importance of open communication in a relationship, especially regarding sexual desires and fantasies.
  • The author expresses that witnessing others' relationship problems can lead to a deeper appreciation of one's own relationship.
  • She conveys that maintaining intimacy, even amidst the demands of parenting and work, is crucial for a healthy partnership.
  • López suggests that moments of gratitude for the stability in her relationship have led to increased arousal and a more intimate sexual relationship with her partner.

Spark of passion

Our Sex Life Was Ignited by Their Failed Relationship

It made me appreciate us more.

Photo by cottonbro studio

Before anyone judges me based on the title of this story, I want to clarify that I never intend to compare my relationship to another or wish anyone harm or negativity. That’s not my style, as it’s not what I’m trying to express.

All couples go through their own issues, some more than others; it’s a part of life. However, the contrast between the unhappy dynamics of others and the positive aspects of our partnership created a sense of contentment within us.

When I heard about the problems this couple was going through, I did everything to make them both feel better — I listened, offered empathy, provided support, encouraged self-help, stayed in touch, and also respected their space. I even suggested they seek professional support, like therapy.

I was in disbelief.

I talked about it with my partner, informing him about what’s been going on since he knows the couple.

I asked him why these things happen, as if he knows the answers to everything or knows how to unlock the reasons behind why people do what they do, including ourselves, because we’re not perfect either.

During that moment of discussion, as we realized that someone’s deep, dark secret had come to light, we both felt a sense of gratitude and relief in our own relationship.

Hearing the disbelief of a shattered relationship that was once a great love evoked strong emotions such as empathy, concern, and a desire to help.

But this had nothing to do with the other couple. Instead, these intensified emotional responses led to an increase in arousal while counting our blessings. I wanted him badly, and he wanted me.

We create moments of spark in our relationship by maintaining open communication with each other, including our fantasies and desires.

There’s nothing wrong with that.

This openness is how we spice things up from time to time. We tell each other what we want more of on a sexual level and don’t judge each other for it.

Hearing things like ‘let’s try this one day’ or ‘let’s try this tonight’ always leads to a more fulfilling and intimate sexual relationship within our own partnership.

As first-time parents to a sixteen-month-old and having days where he’s exhausted from work and I’m touched out by the hectic day, it’s important for us to find ways to keep our sex life alive.

Even if that’s looking into each others eyes saying, ‘thank God that’s not us babe, come here’.

Ultimately, we feel like the luckiest people alive in that moment of connection.

© Darlene López

Sex
Women
Sexuality
Life
This Happened To Me
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