Homosexuality! Unfortunately, it is still perceived negatively in society, and homosexual people themselves do not like this term. In my opinion, the question here is not in terminology, but in the social adaptation of people of this sexual orientation in our society and in the non-acceptance of homosexuality by society itself as part of it. In this article, we will not discuss the reasons for the development of homosexuality and the perception of its norm or pathology, we will talk about relationships in homosexual couples, about their development and about the main difficulties in homosexual couples that they face as well as heterosexual couples.
To begin with, let's clarify the terminology a little:
So, Homosexuality (from other-Greek .μμός-the same, the same and Latin. sexus — sex) — the preference of representatives of their own sex (or gender) as the object of a love relationship, erotic attraction and / or sexual partner.
Homosexuality in a broad sense is one of the types of human sexuality that consists of homosexual orientation (sexual attraction to persons of the same sex), homosexual identity (awareness of oneself as a person of homosexual orientation) and homosexual behavior (sexual practice with persons of the same sex).
In the narrow sense of the word, homosexuality is one of the three typical sexual orientations, defined as emotional, romantic (platonic), erotic (sensual), or sexual attraction only and exclusively to persons of their own sex. The other two orientations are heterosexual and bisexual. Homosexuality is male and female (the latter is often called lesbianism).
"Modern Encyclopedia»
In our country, homosexuality is not prosecuted, as in some countries where non-violent homosexual relations are a criminal offense, but in Russia, homosexual couples do not have equal rights under the law compared to heterosexual couples, while such equal rights already exist in many countries of the West and America, where it is possible to conclude same-sex marriages and adopt children.
Blending – Stage 1-Year 1
In the first stage, the pair becomes one. Men say goodbye to loneliness, partners spend most of their free time together, feelings of romantic love prevail, and sexual activity during this period is at its peak. Partners seek to balance responsibilities, establish rules for family life, define common goals, and learn each other's strengths and weaknesses.
This time can be very difficult for a couple, as each of the men may, as a result of social education, perceive themselves as the main earner, responsible for the decisions made by the family, a kind of "dominant male". Such attitudes of partners can lead to huge difficulties when discussing problems. It can be difficult for men to accept a partner's higher financial or social status, and to recognize that they need each other's support.
Nest Building – Stage 2-Years 2 and 3
The second stage of the relationship is "building a common home" or strengthening the mutual obligations that have developed in the couple.
Partners begin to bond with commonality and compatibility, as they understand and accept each other's individual differences, strengths and weaknesses, goals and needs. Very often, at the same time, the "honeymoon" ends, or the love passes, but at the same time there is a more realistic view of the relationship and the partner.
The partners begin to look at each other with their eyes "wide open", but mixed couples also go through the same experiences. Benjamin Franklin said: "Keep your eyes open until the wedding, but then cover them halfway." These words mean that before we start living together, we should strive to objectively evaluate the partner, but once we enter into a relationship, do not judge him too harshly. It should be noted that, in comparison with mixed couples, gays and lesbians are less likely to perceive their partner's critical remarks as a personal insult. Thus, gay couples may be willing to accept some degree of negativity in the relationship, and the partners ' perception of each other may be more realistic.
Years 2 and 3, according to Larry Kurdek, one of the leading researchers of relationships in gay and lesbian couples, are often the most difficult in gay couples.
