ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a communal perspective on sexuality to advance the argument that people who focus on giving pleasure to their partner can experience profound rewards for the self—that is, people can reap what they sow in the bedroom. It suggests that people who are communally motivated to provide each other with sexual pleasure and satisfaction not only have partners who reap benefits, but are also likely to experience benefits themselves. The chapter addresses two central questions, including who is most likely to be giving in the bedroom and what are the sexual and relationship benefits of doing so. Despite the importance of sex for relationships, couples face numerous challenges to having and maintaining a satisfying sexual relationship. A communal perspective on sexuality provides insight into how some couples are able to stave off declines in sexual desire or remain satisfied in spite of partners experiencing differences in their sexual appetites and interests.
