Is Sex the Most Intense Level of Acceptance a Man can Get?

“Perhaps sex is how men find the most intense level of acceptance from someone that they can get. As a woman, it’s different, not so much the same. It’s a woman’s gift to give.” said my ex-Lover.

Is this a statement of truth or a one insecure man’s opinion of what should make men of the world feel embraced? Without question, sexual motivation is one of the most important parts of being a human being, but is it the gauge of our self-worth? I believe most men would say it’s an awful stereotype that they face.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many fulfilled, successful men in my time, through my career and through the social scene of friendships and dating. In conversation with them, it’s easy to engage them in what they love. Ask them about their career path and what they love most about their job, what gets them out of bed in the morning, their work colleagues and friends. Ask them about their family, where did they grow up, do they have siblings or are their parents still living. Ask them about their children, in school, college, married, grand-kids. Ask them about a significant other, how long have they been married or divorced, what are they seeking in a mate. Ask them where they love to travel, a beach or a big city, a remote village or jungle, a safari or a cruise, backpacking or hotels. Ask them about their hobbies, do they like to mountain bike or fish, hunt or do home improvements, water ski, hike, garden or fix up old classic cars.

This list goes on.

Its easy to engage men with sex and you will likely get their full attention, especially if you’re offering it but that feeling and craving and need is simply carnal and ephemeral. Single (and some married) men will jump at the chance and have a lot of fun while doing it. But does it make them feel accepted? Sure, after their recovery nap and before they run off to enjoy the rest of their lives that keeps them fulfilled and satisfied.

If there is true acceptance in sexual contact, found only between the legs of a willing woman, why are there so many one night stands before they move on to conquer the next woman? Is that part of the acceptance process? Acceptance by the masses. If you have a willing woman and she offers you her full acceptance on such an intense level, why would one seek another? Why do men marry one woman when it drastically reduces the odds of ‘spreading their seed’ and finding these women to offer that acceptance? Why not just stay single and play the field, keep things new and exciting and not stagnant and complacent as too many marriages become?

In a recent article on Tinybuddha.com, a featured writer stated “Acceptance, in my opinion, is the key to convert momentary happiness to enduring happiness. It helps you move from feeling happy to actually being happy.” Can we really find that through casual sex or is that more indicative of an addiction, get the fix to feel accepted and satisfied until you jones for another fix and top up of that feeling? Have you found eternal happiness after you make love? It’s fun, no question, but eternal happiness? Ah, no.

It is sad to me that wonderful men (and women, let’s be real) can degrade themselves down to that level where they feel that’s all they can offer and all they can do to accept themselves. It’s counterproductive to their cause. It’s been my experience that women prefer confident men who are well rounded and successful and find confidence in their own successes and strong attributes over men with a gap to fill simply by burying himself between a woman’s thighs. It’s shallow and unattractive and hardly a measure of acceptance.

Finding a level of acceptance is a very personal journey.

One must celebrate their strengths rather than our shortcomings. We have many strengths, the least of which is sexual attraction.
We have to take a look at the people we surround ourselves with. Are they negative? Do they question their own sense of self and struggle with acceptance?
Do you realize the effect negative people have on you and do you need to distance yourself from those people? What if you can’t, what if they are a spouse or child who is struggling?
Do you have outside positive support to reinforce you and who you are as a person, who will accept you and believe in you?
Do you have past regrets that you need to forgive yourself for?
How strong is your inner critic, it’s not the voice of reason but a toxic waste of your time and energy.
Be kind to yourself and encourage self compassion. Be your biggest fan and advocate.
Don’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable or jeopardizes your integrity and authenticity. Stay true to who you are.
Take comfort in your chosen deity, in God or The Universe or a trusted friend.
Journal, meditate, exercise, to purge yourself of the inner demons.
Eat well and sleep plenty.
Allow yourself to feel each emotion you experience in it’s truest form and move on past it.
Grieve for what you’ve lost and find the courage to move on.
Know that you deserve nothing but contentment, peace and happiness.
Know that you are enough, always.