Love Making

Sexual Response

Human sexuality is a complex and varied experience; every person experiences their femininity or masculinity uniquely. Moreover, this experience will evolve over the years of a person’s life, and at times bring more grief than joy.

Sexual problems are not only common, they are to be expected. Unfortunately, many couples have been misinformed about their sexuality, leading to unnecessary embarrassment and loss of intimacy.

There are three critical dimensions to human sexual response: desire, arousal and climax. More details about these issues can be found in further posts. They attempt to address some of the most commonly misunderstood aspects human sexual response and offer practical ways for couples to respond to any difficulty they may face.

Posts in this Series

Sexual Response: here – this post
Desire: here
Arousal: here
Climax: here
Adult children of Addicts: here
Pornography & Infidelity: here
Enhancing Sexual Communion: here
Recommended Reading: here

Francine & Byron Pirola

Francine & Byron Pirola are the founders and principal authors of the SmartLoving series. They are passionate about living Catholic marriage to the full and helping couples reach their marital potential. They have been married since 1988 and have five children. Their articles may be reproduced for non commercial purposes with appropriate acknowledgement and back links. For Media Enquiries Please Contact us here

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4 Comments

  1. Elsie Bloomstrom on May 25, 2013 at 9:31 pm

    Amazing how many things can revolve around sex. You never want it to be used a manipulative tool or anything like that. It is really hard to rebuild your sexual bond after that.

  2. eichikarl on September 13, 2012 at 6:11 pm

    I think, it´s great, that you refer to well known experts like Dr. Gottman. An important “against the mainstream” athority in questions e.g. of “desire” in my view is Dr. David Schnarch:
    http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/intimacy-and-desire/201105/normal-healthy-couples-have-sexual-desire-problems
    http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/intimacy-and-desire/201106/decoding-the-logic-sexual-relationships
    It would be great, if Fr. Chuck´s gorgeous concept of intimacy could be referred to Schnarch´s research on intimacy and desire.

    • Francine & Byron Pirola on October 29, 2021 at 2:26 pm

      Thanks eichikarl.
      We’re big fans of David Schnarch and have incorporated many of his concepts into this series. Click the links to get more info.

  3. Viv Zappacosta on September 13, 2012 at 7:46 am

    Oh Fran – so spot on – love it xxxx

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