Tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in the United States. It's a season for reflection and expressing gratitude. While we often focus on family, friends, and life's blessings, it's crucial not to overlook an essential aspect of our lives: our sexual relationships. Research has consistently shown that gratitude can significantly benefit our sexual connections, enhancing satisfaction and deepening our bond with our partners.

Recent studies suggest that gratitude in relationships acts as an antidote to taking each other for granted, a common issue in failing relationships. Gratitude helps maintain close relationships by fostering a cycle of generosity and commitment. Expressing gratitude releases oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” which builds a stronger connection and bond between partners.

Here are five ways you can express how thankful you are for the sexy person in your life.

Start Outside the Bedroom: Great sexual connection often begins with the smaller, everyday interactions outside the bedroom so gratitude should too. During the holiday season, with its inherent chaos and busyness, take a moment to observe and appreciate the ways your partner contributes to managing the hustle and bustle. Identify three specific things your partner does exceptionally well - perhaps it's their knack for organizing family gatherings, their patience in handling holiday shopping, or their creativity in festive decorations. Share these observations with your partner, providing concrete examples to highlight your appreciation. This gesture of recognition can strengthen your emotional connection, paving the way for a more fulfilling sexual relationship.
What’s Great About Us: What makes your current relationship different from past ones? Is it the way your partner understands your unspoken words, the comfort you find in their presence, or the adventurous spirit you both share in exploring new experiences? Reflect on these unique aspects and share them with your partner. Let them know why you are thankful that they are the one you’re with and not someone else. Tell them how they enrich your life in ways no one else can. This form of gratitude celebrates your journey together, reinforcing the special bond you share.
Grateful You’ve Got Me: Consider a moment when you felt safe enough to be vulnerable with your partner, to express your innermost desires and needs without fear of judgment. Acknowledge and thank your partner for creating a space where you can be your authentic self. This gratitude highlights the trust and security in your relationship, essential ingredients for a deeper and more intimate connection.
Grateful You Trust Me To Have You: Reflect on a time your partner was courageous and shared their desires, needs, or concerns. Express your gratitude for their honesty and the safety within your relationship that fosters such openness. Engage in a conversation about how you can continue nurturing this secure environment, encouraging open dialogue about desires and needs in the bedroom. This ongoing communication is vital for maintaining a healthy and satisfying sexual relationship.
Sexy is Spelled with a Why: Take some time to list what you find most attractive about your partner. Yes, mention how their butt looks in that one outfit or how their arms look after they’ve worked out. But go beyond their physical traits too. It could be personality traits, talents, passions and hobbies, or the special ways they express love. Share this list with your partner, either all at once or gradually, through affectionate texts or love notes. Knowing why our partner finds us sexy means so much more than just a blanket statement that they do find us sexy.

There’s countless ways to show this gratitude but what is most important is that it does get shown and shown clearly. Expressing gratitude for our partners and the unique, intimate bond we share with them leads to deeper satisfaction and a stronger connection. So, this holiday season, let's cherish and celebrate the love and intimacy we share with our partners, making it a truly memorable and gratifying Thanksgiving.

To read more about gratitude in our relationships, check out the links below.

Lastly, if you’re finding yourself coming up a bit shortin things about your relationship to be grateful for, we can help. Check out our pages on couples sex therapy or couples counseling. You can also book a consultation with one of our specialized counselors to find out more about how they can help you and your partner build a relationship that you’ll be grateful for the rest of your life.