PH
Feeling desired and feeling understood aren't completely separate parts of a relationship.
Across three studies, researchers examined partner responsiveness—feeling that your partner understands, values, and cares about you.
Greater responsiveness was associated with greater sexual desire toward the partner.
The association was particularly strong among women in these studies.
Feeling special and perceiving the partner as a valuable mate helped explain the connection.
Sometimes desire may be strengthened not by doing something obviously seductive, but by making your partner feel genuinely important to you.
© Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (2016)