Before the days of Facebook, Twitter, and blogs, our knowledge of people’s intimate lives was limited. Either the curtains were closed or we could only see what was on center stage. Today, it seems that not only is the curtain always open and there’s always stage visibility, but we have a continuous backstage pass as well. This backstage pass translates into getting updated details on what’s going on in peoples’ kitchens, bathrooms, bank accounts, and bedrooms — all the time.
The existence of social media certainly has many benefits, but studies have shown that its effects on relationship health can be negative. For some, it seems like everyone but them is enjoying a satisfying sex life and has a blissful, loving relationship without issues. It’s hard to imagine that the couple down the block hasn’t had sex in years because of sexual dysfunction; after all, they seem to look so perfectly happy in their Facebook pictures. Or that close friend of yours is on the verge of divorce, since they just posted some cute Instagram’s from a vacation in Aruba.
Relationships are complicated and people are complicated, but there’s no disclaimer in social media reminding you that you are not seeing the real feelings and the real challenges that exist. This is especially pertinent in issues of sexual dysfunction, as many people feel uncomfortable talking about it, even with close friends and family. We often meet women at the Center who feel so liberated to finally discuss their sexual problems; it’s not that they didn’t trust anyone else, many just assumed that their peers couldn’t relate and they didn’t want to feel strange.
The reality is that sexual dysfunction is more common than people realize, but it may not seem that way because it’s not a topic people tend to reveal about themselves in their Facebook profile or Twitter feed. So, if you’re reading this and feeling alone in your sexual dysfunction, know that there are many women out there who understand your suffering. Fortunately, there is effective treatment; granted it can feel daunting to reach out, but we have seen so many women see their lives transform after getting help.