PsycHacks Episode 535: Why men lose interest in sex: Familiarity (why closeness kills attraction)
13 snips
Jul 14, 2025 Explore the intriguing dynamics of male sexuality and why interest in sex may wane over time. Discover the Westermarck Effect, which explains how living closely can lead to sexual indifference to prevent inbreeding. Delve into the complexities of attraction and how familiarity plays a crucial role in relationships. Learn about the importance of maintaining balance to keep the spark alive in long-term partnerships.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Westermarck Effect Explained
- The Westermarck effect causes early cohabitation in family-like settings to create sexual aversion, preventing inbreeding.
- This effect applies not to genetics but to familiarity, explaining why siblings lack sexual interest.
Adult Familiarity Dampens Desire
- A Vestermark-like effect persists into adulthood, reducing sexual attraction between adults spending extensive family-like time together.
- This explains why prolonged familiarity in marriages can diminish sexual desire.
Create Space to Keep Desire
- Maintain spaciousness in relationships by prioritizing less frequent but higher quality interactions.
- Spend less time together to help keep sexual desire and attraction alive longer.
