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Relationships can be tricky waters to navigate, especially if you’re starting to take things to the next level. If thinking about having sex or you’ve just started getting intimate, you may be wondering if you and your partner are on the same page. Look over the answers to some of the most common questions people have, and see if they clear things up a little bit.

Question 1 of 7:

What does being sexually compatible mean?

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  1. This chalks up to your sexual preferences and desires, your beliefs or attitudes towards sex, your turn-ons, and what your needs are. Basically, the more sexual compatibility you have with your partner, the more satisfied you’ll feel after you’re both intimate together.
    • For example, if you and your partner have similar kinks, you’re probably very compatible in the bedroom.
  2. It’s about how similar you and your partner’s needs and desires are on a mental, emotional, and behavioral level. [1] A lot of people find that when they’re more sexually compatible, they feel happier with their relationship overall.
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  3. You can have different turn-ons and still be compatible with your partner. What matters most is that both you and your partner feel satisfied and happy with your sex lives, even if you have different preferences. [2] To be truly compatible, you both need to able to openly talk about your sexual needs and boundaries. [3]
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Question 2 of 7:

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  1. When you’re sexually compatible with your partner, you’ll feel a lot more fulfilled after sex. This sense of happiness and fulfillment helps you feel happier and more satisfied with your relationship.
  2. If you and your partner are on the save wavelength in the bedroom, you’ll probably feel more fulfilled and happy with your relationship overall. If you aren’t meeting each other’s needs and desires, your relationship may suffer because of it. [4]
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Question 3 of 7:

How do I know if I’m compatible with someone?

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  1. You can both get into the rhythm, and you both end up feeling satisfied afterward. Generally, when you’re sexually compatible, you’ll have sex a fairly frequent basis, and not once in a blue moon.
  2. You both might have trouble finding the right rhythm, or finding a style that you both really like. Additionally, you or your partner might not feel very engaged, or like you need to satisfy yourself separately after the fact. [5] Studies show that people who need to pleasure themselves a lot within a relationship aren’t usually sexually satisfied. [6]
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Question 4 of 7:

What should I do if I’m incompatible with my partner?

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  1. If you and your partner aren’t on the same page sexually, there might be something else at play. Schedule an appointment with a psychotherapist—there might be some deeper issues that are getting between you and your partner.
  2. Similar to marriage counseling, sex therapy tackles sex-related issues at their roots. Explain what’s been going on, and see if your therapist can shed some light on what might be causing the incompatibility.
  3. If you and your partner don’t have a lot in common in the bedroom, you might just need to expand your repertoire. Browse your local sex shop and see if there are any toys that appeal to both of you.
  4. This option definitely isn’t for everyone, but it might be a good option if sex is becoming something of a roadblock in your relationship. Talk with your partner about a possible arrangement that could work for both of you, and leave you both feeling satisfied and happy. [7]
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Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: Are My Partner and I Compatible?

Do you ever wonder just how good a match you and your partner are? If you’ve recently started dating someone, are you curious about how much potential you have as a couple? It’s hard to measure compatibility (there’s no “formula” for it, after all), but taking a look at many aspects of a relationship can reveal where you and your partner are in sync and where you might experience conflicts. Our comprehensive quiz can help you do just that—and determine your overall compatibility.
1 of 12

Are you and your partner more emotional or more logical?

Question 6 of 7:

How do you know if you’re good in bed?

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  1. If you’re skilled in bed, you’ll feel confident when it comes time to be intimate. You’ll also be flexible, and willing to change things up a bit. You’ll also understand your own personal needs, and go the extra mile to climax whenever you’re intimate.
  2. Sex can be an abstract part of a relationship—you and your partner probably aren’t giving each other really in-depth feedback and compliments. Still, if your partner is engaged and turned on, they probably think you’re doing a great job. [9]
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Question 7 of 7:

Is sexual compatibility all that matters in a relationship?

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  1. There are a lot of factors that make a relationship work, and sex is just a single piece of a larger pie. Other factors, like timeliness, cleanliness, spending habits, and general priorities play a big role in how compatible you and your partner are. If you aren’t compatible when it comes to basic things, like arriving somewhere on time or staying organized around the home, your relationship may still run into issues. [10]
    • For instance, if you arrive to dates 5 minutes early and your partner is always 15 minutes late, that could spark issues later on.
    • If you want to start a family and your partner is focused on their career, that could also lead to compatibility issues further down the line.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can a kiss determine compatibility?
    Alysha Jeney, MA, LMFT
    Licensed Relationship Therapist
    Alysha Jeney is a Licensed Relationship Therapist, the Owner of Modern Love Counseling, and the Co-Founder of The Modern Love Box. She specializes in relationship therapy, intimacy building, and existential exploration. Alysha holds a BA in Psychology from The Metropolitan State University of Denver and an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling from Regis University. She has been featured in publications such as The Washington Post and The Huffington Post.
    Licensed Relationship Therapist
    Expert Answer
    A kiss alone doesn't determine your compatibility. Instead, you both need to have the same attitudes and expectations about what sex represents in your relationship.
  • Question
    How do you know you're not sexually compatible?
    Alysha Jeney, MA, LMFT
    Licensed Relationship Therapist
    Alysha Jeney is a Licensed Relationship Therapist, the Owner of Modern Love Counseling, and the Co-Founder of The Modern Love Box. She specializes in relationship therapy, intimacy building, and existential exploration. Alysha holds a BA in Psychology from The Metropolitan State University of Denver and an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling from Regis University. She has been featured in publications such as The Washington Post and The Huffington Post.
    Licensed Relationship Therapist
    Expert Answer
    You might have trouble communicating your needs, boundaries, and curiosities in an effective way with your partner. You might also have some trouble feeling comfortable and vulnerable around each other in sexy situations.
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      Tips

      • If you’re having trouble getting things going, try watching an adult video with your partner. This might help set the mood, or give you both some ideas for when you get intimate. [11]


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