Mating In Captivity

One of the world’s most respected voices on erotic intelligence, Esther Perel offers a bold, provocative new take on intimacy and sex. Mating in Captivity invites us to explore the paradoxical union of domesticity and sexual desire, and explains what it takes to bring lust home. Drawing on more than twenty years of experience as a couples therapist, Perel examines the complexities of sustaining desire. Through case studies and lively discussion, Perel demonstrates how more exciting, playful, and even poetic sex is possible in long-term relationships. Wise, witty, and as revelatory as it is straightforward, Mating in Captivity is a sensational book that will transform the way you live and love.

ENJOYABLE, EXCITING SEX IS POSSIBLE AFTER SEX ADDICTION In the journey to sexual sobriety, many sex addicts find themselves wondering, 'How am I going to have a normal relationship?' or 'Will it be possible to repair my marriage now that I've confessed my destructive behavior?' and 'Will I ever have great sex again?' As a sex, marriage, and family therapist, Alexandra Katehakis introduces a successful program for sufferers and their loved ones that will help them hone their erotic intelligence by making sense of the past, creating healthy habits in the present, and looking toward a more intimate relationship that nurtures honesty and closeness. With Katehakis's help, sex addicts can get in touch with their healthy sexual side—and embrace true intimacy and acceptance in themselves and in their mates. - Features true stories of people coming to terms with their sexuality on the other side of sex addiction, as well as couples finding a new path to sexual trust and fulfillment - Helps to build the four cornerstones of intimacy that are essential for healthy relationships

"A fresh look at infidelity, broadening the focus from the havoc it wreaks within a committed relationship to consider also why people do it, what it means to them, and why breaking up is the expected response to duplicity — but not necessarily the wisest one.” — LA Review of Books From iconic couples’ therapist and bestselling author of Mating in Captivity comes a provocative and controversial look at infidelity with practical, honest, and empathetic advice for how to move beyond it. An affair: it can rob a couple of their relationship, their happiness, their very identity. And yet, this extremely common human experience is so poorly understood. What are we to make of this time-honored taboo—universally forbidden yet universally practiced? Why do people cheat—even those in happy marriages? Why does an affair hurt so much? When we say infidelity, what exactly do we mean? Do our romantic expectations of marriage set us up for betrayal? Is there such a thing as an affair-proof marriage? Is it possible to love more than one person at once? Can an affair ever help a marriage? Perel weaves real-life case stories with incisive psychological and cultural analysis in this fast-paced and compelling book. For the past ten years, Perel has traveled the globe and worked with hundreds of couples who have grappled with infidelity. Betrayal hurts, she writes, but it can be healed. An affair can even be the doorway to a new marriage—with the same person. With the right approach, couples can grow and learn from these tumultuous experiences, together or apart. Affairs, she argues, have a lot to teach us about modern relationships—what we expect, what we think we want, and what we feel entitled to. They offer a unique window into our personal and cultural attitudes about love, lust, and commitment. Through examining illicit love from multiple angles, Perel invites readers into an honest, enlightened, and entertaining exploration of modern marriage in its many variations. Fiercely intelligent, The State of Affairs provides a daring framework for understanding the intricacies of love and desire. As Perel observes, “Love is messy; infidelity more so. But it is also a window, like no other, into the crevices of the human heart.”

In Mating in Captivity, psychotherapist Esther Perel tackles the paradox of modern love. She explores why it's hard to want what you already have, even in the most committed and loving relationship. And teaches how you can reconcile domestic bliss with sexual excitement, and rekindle lost passion. As revelatory as it is straightforward, Mating in Captivity is a sensational book that could change the way you love and live.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Book Preview: #1 I began writing a book about sex, and I was constantly asked about couples and eroticism. The comments I heard at a party were hardly novel. Can’t be done. Well, that’s the whole problem of monogamy, isn’t it. That’s why I don’t commit. It has nothing to do with fear. I just hate boring sex. #2 The two camps are the romantics, who believe that passion is more important than safety and security, and the realists, who believe that safety and security are more important than passion. But both are often disappointed, for few people can live happily at either extreme. #3 The need for security and novelty is a human instinct, and it is also true for every living thing. organisms require alternating periods of growth and equilibrium. Any person or system exposed to ceaseless novelty and change risks falling into chaos, but one that is too rigid or static ceases to grow and eventually dies. #4 I want to get back the excitement I used to have in my relationship with my husband. I want to be appreciated as a woman, not just as a mother, wife, or companion.

In Mating in Captivity (2006), Esther Perel draws on observations made during her decades of experience as a practicing psychotherapist. The book explores the ways sexual passion and long-term security are often at odds and highlights important issues couples face as they navigate committed relationships. Purchase this in-depth summary to learn more.

"Why does great sex so often fade for couples who claim to love each other as much as ever? Can we want what we already have? Why does the transition to parenthood so often spell erotic disaster? Does good intimacy always make for good sex?" Ether Perel takes on these tough questions, grappling with the obstacles and anxieties that arise when our quest for secure love conflicts with our pursuit of passion. She invites us to explore the paradoxical union of domesticity and sexual desire, and explains what it takes to bring lust home. In her twenty years of clinical experience, Perel has treated hundreds of couples whose home lives are empty of passion. They describe relationships that are open and loving, yet sexually dull. What is going on? In this explosively original book, Perel explains that our cultural penchant for equality, togetherness, and absolute candor is antithetical to erotic desire for both men and women. Sexual excitement doesn't always play by the rules of good citizenship. It is politically incorrect. It thrives on power plays, unfair advantages, and the space between self and other. More exciting, playful, even poetic sex is possible, but first we must kick egalitarian ideals and emotional housekeeping out of our bedrooms. While "Mating in Captivity "shows why the domestic realm can feel like a cage, Perel's take on bedroom dynamics promises to liberate, enchant, and provoke. Flinging the doors open on erotic life and domesticity, she invites us to put the "X" back in sex.

The purpose of the book Mating in Captivity is to provide insight, guidance, and practical advice for individuals and couples who are navigating the challenges of maintaining a satisfying and intimate relationship within the context of a long-term partnership or marriage. The book aims to shed light on the complexities of balancing desire, passion, and emotional connection in a committed relationship and offers strategies for rekindling and sustaining intimacy. It addresses the common issues and obstacles that couples face, explores the psychological and emotional dynamics at play, and provides tools and techniques to help couples overcome challenges and build a stronger, more fulfilling connection. Ultimately, the book seeks to empower couples to cultivate a thriving and deeply satisfying intimate life while embracing the security and stability of a long-term relationship.The purpose of the book Mating in Captivity is to provide insight, guidance, and practical advice for individuals and couples who are navigating the challenges of maintaining a satisfying and intimate relationship within the context of a long-term partnership or marriage. The book aims to shed light on the complexities of balancing desire, passion, and emotional connection in a committed relationship and offers strategies for rekindling and sustaining intimacy. It addresses the common issues and obstacles that couples face, explores the psychological and emotional dynamics at play, and provides tools and techniques to help couples overcome challenges and build a stronger, more fulfilling connection. Ultimately, the book seeks to empower couples to cultivate a thriving and deeply satisfying intimate life while embracing the security and stability of a long-term relationship.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 I began writing a book about sex, and I was constantly asked about couples and eroticism. The comments I heard at a party were hardly novel. Can’t be done. Well, that’s the whole problem of monogamy, isn’t it. That’s why I don’t commit. It has nothing to do with fear. I just hate boring sex. #2 The two camps are the romantics, who believe that passion is more important than safety and security, and the realists, who believe that safety and security are more important than passion. But both are often disappointed, for few people can live happily at either extreme. #3 The need for security and novelty is a human instinct, and it is also true for every living thing. organisms require alternating periods of growth and equilibrium. Any person or system exposed to ceaseless novelty and change risks falling into chaos, but one that is too rigid or static ceases to grow and eventually dies. #4 I want to get back the excitement I used to have in my relationship with my husband. I want to be appreciated as a woman, not just as a mother, wife, or companion.

In Mating in Captivity (2006), Esther Perel draws on observations made during her decades of experience as a practicing psychotherapist. The book explores the ways sexual passion and long-term security are often at odds and highlights important issues couples face as they navigate committed relationships. Purchase this in-depth analysis to learn more.