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Is Celibacy Right for You and Your Partner

Is Celibacy Right for You and Your Partner? As a couple choosing celibacy, it does not mean that there is something wrong with your relationship. As with any decision being made in your relationship, it is imperative that this is a choice you are both equally invested in. If you find that celibacy becomes a fall back choice because of something you are not talking about together, then I would suggest speaking with someone in a professional capacity. However, celibacy within a couple can be healthy and decided upon for a number of reasons. Some common reasons for choosing celibacy within a couple dynamic could include:

  • To spice up your sex life. Celibacy forced couples to become more sexually imaginative. If you are having trouble then try prolonged foreplay. It can just as sensual as the act of lovemaking itself to simply tease and play with your partner. Some of these playful acts include leaving nude pictures in your partner’s lunchbox or taking time with hugs and kisses.
  • Learning what else exists between you as a couple. Celibacy forces a couple to look at other aspects of the relationship. We are often seeking emotional closeness but don’t know how to get there. During this time, you have an opportunity to look at that. Instead of rushing home to have sex, a couple spends their energy on talking about their life dreams, their passions, etc. This is an opportunity to take a break and reinvent your sexual relationship with each other. Sometimes couples get into a routine that they no longer find enjoyable. When this happens, sometimes anxiety rises and a myriad of activities are tried that in that moment are not working. Couples have found it beneficial to take a sexual hiatus and discuss what it was that was lacking and what is being sought after.

When making this decision and exploring this lifestyle within the couple dynamic, it is important to remember that this is a private decision. Couples often grapple with the frequency in which they believe they are supposed to be having sex. It is futile to go on the scale of others, which is one of the ways celibacy becomes helpful. As a celibate couple, you get to find your own rhythm and create your own path. Some ways to accomplish this occur by enhance your sense of togetherness by spending quality time together and exploring new ways of being sensual not sexual:

  • Take a course in couples massage through your local Massage Association. These organizations frequently feature places or masseuses that offer these courses specifically for couples. A class such as this will provide you with an opportunity to use your hands on one another in a sensual, intimate and giving way.
  • Take a dance class like the tango or the samba together. This provides you with an opportunity to hold your partner closely to you and without breaking the rule of celibacy. You can both connect to the music as well as to each other.
  • Masturbate in front of your partner. Though you have made the decision to not have sex with your partner doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy yourselves in front of each other. Just remember, no matter how good it gets…don’t reach out and touch.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

"Alex" Caroline Robboy,

“Alex” Caroline Robboy, CAS, MSW, ACSW, AAMFT, CSTS, LCSW is the founder and executive director of the Center for Growth Inc / Sex Therapy in Philadelphia, a counseling organization that has an office in Ocean City, New Jersey, Richmond Virginia, Alphretta Georgia and 2 offices in Center City, Philadelphia PA.   In her space time she launched the directory sextherapy.com as a resource tool for professionals dedicated to improving peoples sexual health.  Alex has 25+ years of clinical experience working with adults and children. Specifically, she works with people struggling with compulsion problems, personality disorders, neurodiversity (dyslexia, tourettes, sensory issues, adhd, and high functioning autism) anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, shame, trauma, low self-esteem, grief, relationship issues, sexual function & dysfunction, blended families and parenting concerns. Currently, she provides individual, couples, family therapy and group therapy. Lastly, she offers supervision to both staff and therapists outside of this agency seeking their LCSW or AASECT Certification in sex therapy.  Lastly, thru the Philadelphia International Women’s Project, she led a two year sex therapy group for West African women who experienced Female Genital Cutting as well as a sex therapy group for Sudanese women who experienced Female Genital Cutting. 

Ms. Robboy earned three graduate degrees at the University of Pennsylvania; Masters in Social Work, Post-Masters in Certificate Marriage and Family Therapy with a Specialization in Sex Therapy and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Human Sexuality Education (otherwise known as ABD) as well as a Certificate in Home and School Social Work. Additionally, Ms. Robboy is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Supervisor of Sex Therapy and an ABS Certified Sexologist. Lastly, she is a Certified Imago Therapist. She is currently pursuing certification in CBIT.