Is the Media Misleading Us in Love? 7 Common Myths That Harm Real-Life Relationships

Is the Media Misleading Us in Love? 7 Common Myths That Harm Real-Life Relationships

Insights from Chicago Sex Therapists at Embrace Sexual Wellness

Have you ever noticed that real-life relationships often feel very different from what you see in movies, TV shows, or on social media? Romantic comedies show love as effortless and passionate all the time. Reality shows make jealousy look glamorous. Social media suggests that grand gestures or perfect appearances define commitment.

While entertaining, these portrayals can create unrealistic expectations. Believing in them can lead to disappointment, misunderstandings, and pressure on partners to behave or feel a certain way.

At Embrace Sexual Wellness, our team of Chicago sex therapists works with clients navigating these gaps between media portrayals and real-life relationships. This article explores seven common myths promoted by media, why they can be harmful, and healthier alternatives to help couples build strong, realistic, and fulfilling connections.

1. True Love Means Constant Passion

Where it comes from: Romantic films, TV dramas, and fairy tale narratives.

Why it’s harmful: Expecting every relationship to feel like a constant thrill can make everyday intimacy seem dull or inadequate. Passion naturally fluctuates in healthy relationships.

A healthier approach: Focus on consistent connection, emotional support, and shared experiences. Passion can be nurtured over time through communication, playfulness, and small gestures rather than expecting constant excitement.

2. Jealousy is Proof of Love

Where it comes from: Reality TV shows, teen dramas, and social media posts that glamorize possessiveness.

Why it’s harmful: Believing jealousy is romantic can normalize controlling or insecure behavior. Over time, this can lead to mistrust and anxiety in relationships.

A healthier approach: View trust, respect, and open communication as true indicators of love. Partners who feel safe and secure are more likely to maintain intimacy and satisfaction.

3. Love Alone Can Solve Problems

Where it comes from: Classic romance movies, melodramatic TV shows, and romantic novels.

Why it’s harmful: Expecting love alone to heal personal or relational challenges puts unrealistic pressure on the relationship. It may lead to frustration when conflicts or personal issues remain unresolved.

A healthier approach: Healthy relationships require effort, communication skills, and sometimes external support such as counseling. Addressing challenges together strengthens intimacy and resilience.

4. Grand Gestures Define Romance

Where it comes from: Films, music videos, and social media trends that celebrate dramatic displays of affection.

Why it’s harmful: Believing that love depends on grand, public gestures can make everyday acts of care feel undervalued. Partners may feel they are failing if they cannot perform elaborate displays.

A healthier approach: Prioritize daily acts of kindness, consistent support, and attentive communication. These actions build deeper, lasting connection than occasional dramatic moments.

5. Sexual Compatibility Should Be Instant

Where it comes from: TV shows, movies, and dating reality series portraying instant chemistry.

Why it’s harmful: This narrative can create anxiety and self-doubt if sexual compatibility develops gradually. It can make normal exploration feel abnormal.

A healthier approach: Sexual intimacy grows through trust, communication, and curiosity. Couples can enhance satisfaction by discussing desires openly and practicing patience.

6. Conflict Means a Bad Relationship

Where it comes from: Romantic comedies and idealized TV couples.

Why it’s harmful: Thinking that healthy relationships are conflict-free can make ordinary disagreements feel alarming. Avoiding conflict entirely can also prevent growth and understanding.

A healthier approach: View disagreements as opportunities to learn and connect. Addressing conflict with empathy, listening, and collaboration strengthens relationships.

7. Partners Should Meet All Emotional Needs

Where it comes from: Drama films, soap operas, and social media depictions of “perfect love.”

Why it’s harmful: Expecting one person to meet all emotional needs can create codependency, frustration, or resentment. No individual can provide everything another person requires emotionally.

A healthier approach: Cultivate a support network that includes friendships, hobbies, and self-care. Sharing intimacy with a partner while maintaining independence promotes a balanced, healthy relationship.

Why Media Literacy Matters

Media is a powerful influence, but it rarely reflects reality. Recognizing these myths helps couples manage expectations and communicate more effectively. Understanding that media often prioritizes drama over reality allows partners to focus on authentic connection, trust, and mutual support rather than chasing fantasy ideals.

How A Sex Therapist Can Help

A sex therapist or relationship counselor can help couples identify internalized media messages, address unrealistic beliefs, and replace them with practical, healthy strategies. Therapy provides tools for communication, intimacy building, and navigating challenges, enabling couples to develop relationships that are realistic, satisfying, and resilient.

TLDR

Movies, TV, and social media can be entertaining but often portray relationships in misleading ways. Myths about constant passion, jealousy, grand gestures, and conflict-free love can harm real-life connections. Our team helps couples recognize these myths, understand their impact, and cultivate relationships grounded in communication, authenticity, and mutual support. Separating fantasy from reality allows couples to thrive and maintain intimacy in healthy, sustainable ways.

Learn more about therapy services and schedule a free intro call with a sex therapist today.

How to Keep Intimacy Alive During the Holiday Season: Tips from a Chicago Sex Therapist

How to Keep Intimacy Alive During the Holiday Season: Tips from a Chicago Sex Therapist

The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, connection, and celebration, but for many couples, they can also bring stress, exhaustion, and a sense of disconnection. Between family obligations, work deadlines, holiday travel, and crowded social calendars, intimacy often gets pushed to the back burner. Suddenly, sex and closeness feel like just another item on an already overwhelming to-do list.

Our team of Chicago sex therapists work with couples every year who tell us, “We love each other, but the holidays make it hard to feel connected.” The good news? Feeling close and intimate during the holiday season is entirely possible with a little intentionality and creativity. In this post, I’ll share practical ways couples can maintain emotional and physical connection, reduce stress around sex, and keep the spark alive even amidst the holiday chaos.

Why Intimacy Can Decline During the Holidays

First, let’s normalize what many couples experience: a drop in intimacy during the holidays is extremely common. There are several reasons this happens:

Stress and fatigue: Long to-do lists, work deadlines, and family gatherings can leave little energy for each other.

Disrupted routines: Travel, time away from home, and unpredictable schedules can interfere with usual couple routines.

Emotional overwhelm: Holidays can bring up unresolved family tension or financial stress, which often seeps into the relationship.

When life feels like a series of obligations, it’s easy for emotional and physical closeness to take a back seat. Many couples in Chicago come to me worried that their connection is fading, but with some conscious effort, these challenges can be turned into opportunities for growth and closeness.

Prioritizing Emotional Connection First

Before we talk about sex, let’s focus on emotional intimacy. It’s the foundation for any satisfying physical connection. Even small moments of emotional closeness can make a huge difference:

Daily check-ins: Take 5–10 minutes each day to ask your partner how they’re feeling and share a little of your own emotional world.

Small acts of affection: Hold hands while walking, hug in the morning, or cuddle during a holiday movie.

Share the load: Discuss holiday stress together and make joint plans to manage obligations, which fosters teamwork.

We often remind couples that emotional intimacy fuels desire. When partners feel emotionally connected, physical closeness naturally follows.

Planning Physical Intimacy Around a Busy Schedule

Let’s be real: holiday calendars are packed. That doesn’t mean physical intimacy has to disappear. Being intentional about connection can make all the difference:

Schedule date nights: Even if it’s just a cozy evening at home after the kids go to bed, having dedicated couple time helps.

Micro-moments of touch: Hand-holding while wrapping gifts or a brief massage while cooking can sustain closeness.

Communicate openly: Let your partner know your needs and listen to theirs without judgment or expectation.

Couples often tell us they feel guilty “stealing time” for themselves during the holidays. Sometimes guilt can arise in familiar moments when we haven’t done anything wrong yet it feels confusing. Taking time to prioritize intimacy as a way to recharge emotional energy for both partners is a gift in itself.

Overcoming Stress-Related Challenges to Desire

It’s no surprise that stress can quietly take a toll on sexual desire. When you’re tired, anxious, or mentally overloaded, even thinking about sex can feel like too much. There are some practical ways couples can work around these stress-related blocks:

Mindful moments together: Spending just a few minutes focusing on your breathing or being fully present with each other can help melt away tension and create connection.

Gentle touch exercises: Techniques like sensate focus encourage partners to explore touch without worrying about performance or orgasm, making intimacy feel safe and enjoyable again.

Protect your time: Say no to certain obligations or events so you can carve out meaningful moments together. You’ll thank yourself later and be glad you did.

When couples shift the focus from “getting it right” to simply connecting, closeness and pleasure often return naturally.

Creative Ways to Keep Intimacy Fun During the Holidays

Holiday stress doesn’t have to extinguish the spark. Adding playful, light-hearted rituals can help couples stay connected:

Create a romantic mini-tradition: Morning coffee together, exchanging sweet notes, or a short evening walk can reinforce closeness.

Play sensual touch games: Even simple massages, hand-holding while dancing, or playful teasing in private helps maintain desire.

Explore a shared couple bucket list: Create a list of small, intimate experiences you can enjoy together over the holidays.

These strategies don’t require extra time or energy, just a willingness to be present and playful. As relationship and sex therapists, we often see couples rediscover their spark through these creative, low-pressure rituals.

When to Seek Support from a Sex Therapist

While holiday intimacy challenges are normal, some couples may need additional support. Consider reaching out to a certified sex therapist if you notice any of the following:

• Emotional disconnection persists despite effort

• Sexual desire or satisfaction is low, or arguments about intimacy are frequent

• Stress and burnout are affecting your ability to connect as a couple

Sex therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore challenges, improve communication, and develop strategies tailored to your relationship. With guidance, couples can navigate holiday pressures without sacrificing intimacy.

TLDR

Intimacy doesn’t have to take a backseat during the holiday season. By prioritizing emotional closeness, planning physical connection, managing stress, and embracing playful rituals, couples can maintain and even deepen their bond.

If you and your partner are struggling to feel close during the holidays, you’re not alone. If you’re local to Illinois or Chicago, working with our team of sex therapists can provide guidance, support, and practical tools to keep your connection strong and your intimacy thriving even in the busiest time of year.

Remember, the holiday season isn’t just about gifts and obligations. It’s an opportunity to nurture love, connection, and joy both inside and outside the bedroom.

How Do I Know If It’s Time to See a Sex Therapist for Low Desire?

How Do I Know If It’s Time to See a Sex Therapist for Low Desire?

Experiencing low sexual desire can be confusing, frustrating, and sometimes worrying. If you’ve noticed a decrease in your interest in sex, you may be wondering whether it’s normal or if professional support is needed. Low desire is common, and it’s treatable with the right guidance. For those living in Chicago, Embrace Sexual Wellness therapists can help you identify the causes of low libido and provide strategies to improve sexual satisfaction and intimacy.

What Is Low Sexual Desire?

Low sexual desire, also called hypoactive sexual desire or low libido, is a reduced interest in sexual activity that affects both individuals and couples. Some signs may include:

• Fewer sexual thoughts or fantasies

• Avoiding sexual activity with your partner

• Feeling emotionally disconnected during intimacy

Common Causes of Low Desire

Low desire often results from a combination of factors including:

• Biological factors: Hormonal changes, chronic illness, medication side effects, fatigue

• Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, depression, past trauma, body image concerns

• Relationship factors: Communication issues, emotional distance, unresolved conflict, mismatched sexual needs

Understanding the root causes is essential, as low desire rarely has a single explanation.

How to Know When It’s Time to See a Chicago Sex Therapist

Not every dip in sexual desire requires therapy; signs that professional support can help include:

• Persistent low interest: Desire has been low for months and affects your satisfaction

• Stress or guilt about sex: Anxiety or shame around sexual activity

• Relationship strain: Ongoing tension, conflict, or reduced emotional connection

• Emotional distress: Sadness, frustration, or lowered self-esteem due to low desire

• Physical factors not improving: Libido remains low despite addressing medical or hormonal issues

If these signs resonate, it may be time to consider working with a Chicago sex therapist or a combination of individual and couples therapy.

How a Chicago Sex Therapist Can Help

A sex therapist in Chicago provides specialized support for individuals and couples experiencing low desire. Therapy may include:

• Evidence-based techniques: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

• Psychoeducation: Understanding sexual response, desire cycles, and common myths

• Practical exercises: Communication strategies, intimacy-building activities, and mindfulness practices

• Individualized support: Tailored approaches addressing physical, psychological, and relational factors

At Embrace Sexual Wellness, we offer therapy in-person in Chicago or online via telehealth, making it accessible and flexible for busy schedules.

Self-Reflection: Are You Ready for Therapy?

Before booking a session, reflect on your experience:

• How long have you noticed low desire?

• How is it affecting your relationship or emotional well-being?

• Have you tried lifestyle changes, stress reduction, or self-help strategies?

• Are you open to exploring deeper emotional, psychological, or relational factors?

Even if you’re unsure, book a free 10 minute phone consultation with one of our Chicago sex therapists.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is low sexual desire normal?

Sexual desire naturally fluctuates throughout our lifetime. People who experience persistent low desire that causes distress or impacts their relationship may benefit from sex therapy.

2. What’s the difference between a sex therapist and a general therapist?

A sex therapist specializes in sexual health, intimacy, and desire, addressing physical, emotional and relational factors, while a general therapist may not have this specialized training. The process of talk therapy may feel similar, but the overall focus and expertise is more significant in sex therapy.

3. Can therapy improve desire for couples?

Absolutely. Couples therapy combined with sex therapy can help partners reconnect emotionally and sexually, improving desire and satisfaction. It’s common for partners to have relational concerns that overlap with sexual intimacy ones.

4. How long does therapy take to improve low desire?

The timeline varies depending on individual circumstances. Some notice improvements in a few sessions, while others may take several months. The key is consistent, guided practice and exploration.

Taking the First Step in Chicago

Low sexual desire is common and treatable. Seeking support from a sex therapist is a proactive step toward reclaiming intimacy and emotional connection. Therapy isn’t just about “fixing” sex. Instead, it’s about improving communication, emotional closeness, and overall sexual wellness.

If you’ve been experiencing persistent low desire, or if it’s causing strain in your relationship or self-confidence, scheduling a consultation with our team of Chicago sex therapists can help you:

• Understand the underlying causes of low desire

• Learn strategies to reignite sexual interest and cope with differences

• Strengthen emotional and physical intimacy with your partner

TLDR

Recognizing the signs of low desire and seeking professional support can transform your sexual and relational well-being. A sex therapist provides a safe, supportive space to explore challenges, gain clarity, and develop tools to improve desire and intimacy. Your sexual wellness is important, and taking this step shows commitment to both yourself and your relationship.