Why Men Are Settling For Mrs. Good Enough

to the YourTango newsletter!

FIND AN EXPERT
Advanced SearchKimberly SeltzerDr. Erica  GoodstoneJennifer Chappell Marsh MFT Intern #65184
ProConnect

Are Dominant, Attractive Men Better In Bed?

By . Posted on .

Are Dominant, Attractive Men Better In Bed?
Dr. Adam Sheck reviews a Penn State study on male attraction and dominance and female orgasm.

This has been a fascinating question that has been open for debate for a long, long time. It's probably only second to the "does size really matter" question. From a biological perspective, it certainly would seem that the more "dominant" males will be better breeding stock and so will be more desirable to females. On the other hand, our more "civilized" society would like us to believe that a more sensitive, caring man would make a better lover.

Well, wonder no longer, Penn State University completed a study of 110 heterosexual couples to find out the quality of female orgasm (a big factor in promoting conception) as a function of male dominance and attractiveness. And the results are in!

The male partners were rated according to objective attractiveness (face symmetry) as well as observer and partner rated scales of attractiveness, masculinity and dominance. The study "found that women reported more frequent and earlier-timed orgasms when mated to masculine and dominant men". Women reported experiencing orgasm more often during or after male orgasm when with these "high-quality" men.

What does this mean for relationships? Since the "average" woman will be with an "average" man with "average" attractiveness and dominance, does this mean that they will have an "average" sex life with "average" orgasms?

While this study validates some of my experience in working with couples over the last twenty years, it doesn't have to be a "death sentence" for relationships and passion. What it means to me is that while it is important for us to recognize our genetic and biological factors in the context of relationships, there are also OTHER factors that are important as well.

Yes, we are "predisposed" with certain biological imperatives and tendencies. AND, we also have certain psychological tendencies as well that often compete with our biology (see my article, "Which Side Of The Bed Do YOU Sleep On?").

It is good to be aware of our biology in this case of "better in bed" just as it is important to consider biology in the case of monogamy and commitment in relationships. AND, we also have choice and free will.

We CAN choose to be more intimate emotionally and sexually with our partner. We CAN choose to be better lovers and learn how to express ourselves more fully in this important area of relationship. That is a big part of why I blog about passion and why I continue to work with couples to create more passion in their relationships.

What do YOU think about the Penn State study? What's YOUR experience of attractiveness, dominance and being good in bed? I'd love to hear your comments.

Thank you so much,

Dr. Adam Sheck

If you'd like to know more about my work keeping the passion alive in your relationship, please download my Free Special Report, "20 Rituals For Romance!" at www.freepassiontips.com

Article contributed by
Advanced Member

Dr. Adam Sheck

Psychologist

Helping couples bring back the Passion!

Free Special Report: 20 Rituals For Romance! Download it at: www.freepassiontips.com

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Certified Imago Relationship Therapist

drsheck@passion101.com

310-968-1526

website: http://passion101.com

blog: http://passion101.com/blog

facebook: http://thepassiondoctor.com

twitter: http://twitter.com/passion101

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Credentials: PsyD
Website: Passion 101
Other Articles/News by Dr. Adam Sheck :

Do Women Want To Be Ravished?

By

Do Women Want To Be Ravished? As a psychologist and couples counselor, I’ve been asked this question by men, women and couples for the last twenty years. My specialty is helping couples bring back the passion in their relationship and using fantasy is one way of doing this. And the fantasy of being ravished, being lovingly, yet forcefully taken by ... Read more

Do You Know How To Support Your Partner?

By

Do You Know How To Support Your Partner? I’ve been working with couples for over twenty years and while the majority of couples WANT to support their partner and their relationship, most of them don’t really know what that MEANS or how to do it! One key distinction to keep in mind in supporting your partner is that different tactics are ... Read more

Rep. Weiner: Why Are Men So Stupid?

By

Why Are Men So Stupid? It really is a good question to ask, “Why are men so stupid?” and of course the context is when it comes to sex. Why do men like Rep. Weiner, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Brett Favre and Tiger Woods who appear to have good lives, risk their happiness and success by having affairs or taking big risks on social media? Why would ... Read more

See More

Recent Expert Posts
Press Conference

DeMistyfy Your Dating: Radio Interview: [EXPERT]

And yes, we spelled it that way for a reason! Listen to this humorous interview of Spike and learn!

Running Woman

Post-Divorce Growth…After They Go, Grow [EXPERT]

Identify your positive changes post-divorce. Make it a growth experience!

No Love

Married and Fighting? It May Signify a Solid Relationship

Married couples can be too harmonious. Find out how much discord creates dynamic relationships.

Have a dating or relationship question?
Ask it here and one of our experts will answer it.

Resources
How to find the right pro for you
10 Reasons Mental Health Pros Should Join YourTango Experts

10 Reasons Mental Health Pros Should Join YourTango Experts

YourTango Experts can help your business go from good to great.

10 Steps To Improve Your Coaching Business

Take your coaching business from mediocre to great in no time…

Frequently Asked Questions About YourTango Experts

Thinking of joining? Here's all the facts you need to know to make the most of your membership.

Getting Your Guy To Join You In A Therapy Or Coaching Session

So how can your get your strong, self-reliant, superman to talk to an Expert with you?

Therapist/Counselors: Who We Are & What We Do

What exactly does a therapist/counselor do and can they really help?

See more resources>
FROM OUR PARTNERS