The Parallel Path: Understanding Sexual Availability in Marriage

In this episode Paul explains what it means—and what it does not mean—to be sexually available to your spouse. Sexual availability is about the ability to connect and share your sexual self, not about always saying yes or sacrificing your needs. He covers prerequisites such as being in touch with your own sexuality, the importance of willingness and empathy, practical daily check-ins about sexual feelings, and recognising signs when your spouse needs intimacy. If you're out of touch, he recommends getting help and practising to rebuild availability. Paul also discusses how a partner may initially "flood" after a period of unavailability and urges patience as the relationship normalises, noting the close parallel between sexual and emotional availability.