Christian Healthy Lifestyle 

Age gracefully | Live abundantly | Thoroughly equipped for every good work

by David Sandstrom 

November 29, 2023

Harvard graduate, and Marriage Researcher Shanti Feldhahn talks about her book Secrets of Sex and Marriage - 8 Surprises That Make All the Difference. Shanti's relationship books have sold over 3 million copies.

Download my Free PDF The A-B-C-D-E Method for identifying and correcting unhealthy thinking patterns. You'll get instant access to the download and be subscribed to my Health Tips Newsletter.

Listen

When it comes to supplements, quality matters. Many manufacturers are either ignorant, or they just don't have the resources to maintain proper quality control. Low quality supplements could do you more harm than good.

That's why I only recommend professional-grade products that are 3d party tested. These manufacturers encourage independent 3d party certification. Get peace of mind knowing that what's inside the bottle matches what's on the label.

Order supplements through my Fullscript store.

Most of these products are only available through a practitioner. Create and account now; It's free; there's no obligation, and you'll lock in a permanent 10% discount. You'll also have access to my recommended products and protocols. Get started by clicking the image above or the button below.

Watch

Show Notes

1.

Today's Guests...

  • Harvard graduate, Best-selling Author and Marriage Researcher Shaunti Feldhahn
2.

Topics Discussed...w / Time Stamps

  • 4:00 Maintaining a healthy sex life in marriage.
  • 8:37 Couple's creative solution to keep their marriage fresh: sharing IDs with police officers.
  • 13:18 Sexual intimacy in marriage, including survey methods and clinical perspectives.
  • 20:35 Sexual frequency in marriage and its correlation with happiness.
  • 24:56 Sexual frequency in marriages, with insights on common misconceptions and the wide range of what works for different couples.
  • 36:12 Sexual desire types and their impact on relationships.
  • 43:19 How men can improve their relationships with their wives.

Scroll through the text below to read a summary of our conversation.

Episode Summary:

This episode provides insightful and practical guidance for married couples seeking to improve their sexual intimacy, with guest expert Shaunti Feldhahn. She shares research debunking harmful myths about desire, frequency and initiation that undermine many relationships.


Shaunti's research found the average sexual frequency for married couples is 1-2 times per week. But comparisons aren't helpful - mutual satisfaction with your sex life is what matters, not numbers. If you're on different pages, have open conversations to understand each other's needs and wiring. The key is adjusting to your differences as a team, rather than judging negatively.

The main encouragement is that small changes in awareness and relating well can make a big difference in your intimacy. You're likely closer in values than you realize - build on your strengths. Nurturing your friendship and pursuing closeness prepares the soil for passion. With grace and teamwork, nearly every couple can unlock greater pleasure and connection. But you both have to make it a priority.


A key insight is understanding the two types of sexual desire. Initiating desire involves arousal first, then wanting sex. Receptive desire means making an intentional decision to be sexual, with arousal coming after stimulation starts. Surprisingly, most couples have one spouse with initiating desire and the other receptive. Recognizing this difference can be a huge breakthrough.

Women in particular often have receptive desire, so they need to feel loved, pursued and cherished daily. Thoughtful gestures like affectionate touch and appreciative texts remind her that she's valued. When a woman feels emotionally connected outside the bedroom, she'll more likely be receptive to sex. Men should focus on what makes their wife feel loved before expecting her interest.


If past trauma, addictions, physical pain or other dysfunctions are hindering your intimacy, get help from a counselor or sex therapist. Special skills can get your sex life back on track.

For more wisdom and insights, get Shaunti's book
“Secrets of Sex and Marriage” or explore her website. With candid understanding, you can build the rewarding intimacy God designed for your marriage.


Related Episodes You May Enjoy

155: Is Your Doctor Ignoring the #1 Threat to Your Health? Find Out Now
128: Quick and Easy Ways to Express the 5 Love Languages Every Day w/Paul Zolman
114: The Healing Power of Relationships: Navigating the Path to Wholeness w/Tracy Taris

Social Follow / Share

About the author 

David Sandstrom

I want to help you maximize your health potential so you can look and feel your best at any age. We do this by aligning our lives more fully with God's natural design for our spirit, mind, and body. I've been helping people maximize their health potential since 2005.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Get short articles related to the latest podcast episode, but explore things from a different angle. This is an email you'll look forward to opening. 

I respect your privacy.

>