The Three C’s of Intimacy: Communication, Consideration, and Consent
When it comes to intimacy, many couples assume that things should feel natural or just “fall into place.”
But for a lot of people, especially those navigating past experiences, stress, or changes in their relationship, intimacy can start to feel uncertain, pressured, or disconnected.
If that’s the case, it can be helpful to come back to a simple foundation. I often talk with clients about what I call the three C’s of intimacy: communication, consideration, and consent.
These are not just about physical safety. They are essential for building emotional safety, trust, and connection in the bedroom.
Why Sex Feels Hard After Trauma
If you’ve experienced trauma, especially trauma that involved your body, closeness, or trust, you may notice that sex does not feel the way you expected it to.
You might care deeply about your partner and want to feel connected, but when it comes to physical intimacy, something feels off. You may feel tense, disconnected, overwhelmed, or simply not interested at all. For some people, their body seems to “shut down.” For others, it can feel like too much, too quickly.