Dear Dr. Tracy When Sexual Desire Feels Mismatched: Emotional vs. Physical Intimacy in Long-Term Love
In this episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, we explore one of the most common—and emotionally charged—challenges in long-term relationships: when one partner desires more sex, while the other feels overwhelmed, touched out, or emotionally disconnected.
Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, clinical psychologist and couples therapist, breaks down the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire, explains why sex can feel like part of running a marathon for some partners, and unpacks how sex is often a bid for connection—not just physical pleasure.
You’ll learn how emotional and sexual intimacy are wired differently, how to stop taking rejection personally, and what practical steps couples can take to rebuild connection without blame or pressure.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in the sex-versus-talk dynamic, this episode will help you deepen your understanding—and find a new way forward, together.
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