9.1: Introduction to Relationship Styles, Communication, Sexual Behavior, and Fantasies
After completing this module, students should have a working knowledge of:
- The wide variety of relationship styles
- Effective relationship tools
- The importance of honest communication
- Sexual Behaviors
- Sexual Fantasies
Introduction
While many people enter into fulfilling relationships that enhance their lives, relationships also take energy and work to flourish. Part of this work involves open communication, both with ourselves and those who we are partnering with. There are many relationship styles and types, but because of the standard sexual scripts we’ve been taught to follow, we usually imagine cisgendered, heterosexual, monogamous couples when we think of a relationship. We hope to expand this understanding here. Our sexual behaviors and fantasies are also varied, and the possibilities are endless. In this chapter, we will dive into some of these different behaviors and fantasies, but know that there is so much more to the story, and you get to imagine your own fantasies and ideas of what feels good. It is important to note that while we may not all find pleasure in the same things, pleasure is something all humans seek. If a particular behavior or fantasy is not appealing to you, that’s ok, but please try to keep from judging and open your mind to learning. To put it simply, don’t yuck someone else’s yum.