Is Sex Really What We Want?
OPUS · NEWS & VOICE
01 / 05One phrase, many wishes
The words “I want sex” can hold pleasure, warmth, intimacy, freedom, recognition or the wish to be desired. These feelings are related, but they are not identical. They may change from one day to another.
02 / 05Love and desire are different
A person can love their partner and not want sex. Another can experience attraction without being in love. This difference can make sexlessness painful, because two people may give sex very different meanings.
03 / 05The wish to feel seen
Being desired can feel like recognition, especially when everyday responsibilities have pushed one’s private wishes into the background. But a woman’s worth never depends on whether another person wants her sexually.
04 / 05An interval outside everyday life
Sometimes the wish for sex also contains a wish for time away from roles, routines and obligations. It may be a desire for tenderness, excitement, stillness or a moment that belongs only to oneself.
05 / 05Listening to what we really want
We can ask ourselves whether we want pleasure, touch, closeness, rest or simply to feel wanted. There is no single correct answer. The final chapter explores the anticipation and memories that surround sex.
