Breaking the Silence: Talking Sex & Intimacy with the Mentality Group

Last week, I had the opportunity to run a session for the Mentality Group on a topic that often gets brushed under the rug—sex and intimacy. It’s one of those subjects that men don’t always talk about openly, yet it plays a crucial role in relationships, confidence, and emotional well-being.
From the start, it was clear that this was a conversation that needed to happen. The guys were engaged, open, and, by the end of the session, genuinely grateful for the discussion.

What We Covered
We explored the difference between sex and intimacy—two things that are often lumped together but aren’t the same. While sex is the physical act, intimacy is about connection, trust, and emotional closeness. Many men struggle with the latter, often feeling pressure to "perform" rather than to connect.

We also looked at some of the common challenges men face, including:

• Performance anxiety and pressure to "get it right"

• Struggles with communication in relationships

• Feeling disconnected from their partners

• Navigating changing desires over time

One of the most valuable parts of the session was breaking down why men often struggle to express their needs and emotions in this area. Many of the guys shared that they’d been raised with the idea that sex is just something you do, not something you talk about. But the reality is, open conversations about intimacy—both physical and emotional—are key to a fulfilling relationship.

A Few Lightbulb Moments
Throughout the session, there were several "aha" moments. A few key takeaways stood out:

• Desire isn't just about sex – Many men assume their partners want them to be more sexually assertive, but in reality, what partners often crave is emotional connection and presence.

• Communication is everything – Many of the guys admitted they avoid conversations about sex because they don’t want to seem insecure. But, as we discussed, asking questions and being open about what works (and what doesn’t) actually builds confidence and trust.

• Intimacy exists outside the bedroom – Physical touch, laughter, shared experiences—these all contribute to deeper intimacy. Sex is just one part of the bigger picture.

By the end of the session, the atmosphere had shifted. What started as a slightly hesitant conversation turned into one of the most engaging and honest discussions I’ve seen in the group. Several guys mentioned they felt relieved to finally talk about these things in a space where they weren’t being judged. One of the best bits of feedback? "I wish I’d had this conversation years ago."

Final Thoughts
Sex and intimacy aren’t just about techniques or performance—they’re about connection, communication, and understanding yourself and your partner. And if this session proved anything, it’s that men want and need these conversations jjust as much as anyone else.

I’ll definitely be running more sessions like this in the future. If you’re struggling in this area, know that you’re not alone—and talking about it is the first step toward real connection.