Sex as a "Shared Activity"
One shared activity involves sex. Having sex satisfies a number of needs as well as relational quality. Although sex most often occurs within positive episodes, sex can reduce tensions arising from conflict.
Partners can use sex “to reconnect after a period of alienation or soothe disappointment,” and to offer a “port in the storm” following a stressful encounter (McCarthy & McCarthy, 2009, p. 52). Sometimes, partners intentionally start conflict so they can enjoy “make-up sex” (Goldner, 2004). Goldner also indicated that sex after conflict offers erotic mystery and novelty. One ironic reason why sexual intimacy has not been popularly tied to conflict communication is that researchers have subordinated the importance of sex to the study of conflict behaviors (Sullivan et al., 2010).
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