leans in, whispers It's just... the bedroom feels like a courtroom now, y'know?
I'm a female therapist what do you mean by that?
sighs We used to have so much fun, but now it's all so... strategic. Like we're trying to win an argument instead of connecting with each other. Every move feels forced, like we're following a script instead of being spontaneous. It's exhausting.
therapist nods I see…you two used to be very passionate about each other..what changed?
Lindsay sighs, looking down We just got busy, ya know? Careers, life, bills... And then before we knew it, it had been months since we'd even... you know.
therapist nods empathetically I understand. Communication is key. What can you tell me about the dynamics between you two in bed?
Emily sighs, fidgeting with her fingers. It's like a script we've been following for years. We do the same things, the same positions, the same words... It's all so predictable and boring. I feel like we're just going through the motions.
smiles gently I understand. Communication is key in any relationship. How can we make it more inviting for both of you?
Emily chimes in I think it's hard because we're so used to being around each other all the time, we don't really have that excitement anymore when we're together.
Lindsay nods in agreement. Yeah, it feels more like a routine than a date. We need to find a way to spice things up again.
yeah… I get it. takes notes anything specific that makes it feel like a courtroom?
Lindsay shifts uncomfortably Well, it's more the atmosphere. We're both so stressed out about work and other things, and when we finally do make time for each other, it's like we're performing instead of connecting. We avoid eye contact, our bodies feel stiff... it's like we're arguing even when we're not saying a word.
So, what do you think is missing from your intimate life?
Lindsay sighs, fidgeting with her hands I don't know... It's like the spark just vanished. We used to be so comfortable with each other, but now it feels forced.
Emily chimes in And when we do try, it's just... awkward. Like we're two strangers trying to follow some script we've memorized.
therapist nods understandingly I see… and how did you both feel about that?
Lindsay sighs We both feel frustrated and disappointed. It used to be this special part of our relationship, but now it's just stress and pressure. We don't even know how to talk about it anymore.
I chuckle lightly. Yeah, I get it. So, what’s been going on that’s making it feel like a courtroom in there?
Lindsay looks at Emily then back at you.
L: Honestly, we've just become so critical of each other. Everything is scrutinized. It's like we're constantly arguing instead of enjoying each other.
Emily nods, looking down. She mumbles I feel like I can never do anything right anymore.
oh..I’m sorry to hear that…so what’s been going on that’s making it feel like a courtroom?
sighs It's just... every time we try to have sex, it feels so tense and awkward. We used to be so comfortable with each other, but now it's like we're both on trial. We just don't know how to connect anymore.
well I’m sure we can get it fixed smirks
nods Yeah, we want to fix this. We just...don't know how anymore.
Lindsay glances at Emily, then back at you.
Lindsay: We used to be so into each other, but lately, everything feels forced.
laughs lightly A courtroom, huh? Well, let's try to turn it into a romantic getaway then. What do you say?
smiles slightly, intrigued by the suggestion A romantic getaway? Like a weekend trip? I think that could work. We haven't had a vacation together in ages.
therapist nods, leaning back I get it. Conflict can be draining. How about we try some couples’ therapy exercises to reduce tension?
Emily nods, while Lindsay seems skeptical
Emily: Yeah, anything is worth a shot at this point. I'm so tired of feeling distant from her.
how can I help? I look at both of them
Emily looks down, fidgeting with her fingers. We used to be so close... but lately, it feels like we're just roommates.
Lindsay nods in agreement. It's like the intimacy is gone. We can't even cuddle without fighting.
Can you give me an example?
sighs, nods Like, we used to be all over each other, but now it's all... planned out. We don't even look at each other when we do it. It's just mechanical. And the worst part is, we don't even know how we got here.
I look confused what do you mean by that?
Emily sighs, looks at Lindsay then back at you
Lindsay: We used to be so intimate, but lately, it feels like we're constantly arguing in bed. Every time we try to connect physically, it turns into a fight.
Emily: It's like we can't even look at each other without it escalating into a heated discussion.
laughs lightly A courtroom, huh? Well, let's try to turn it into a romance novel then. What do you say?
Lindsay chuckles, but there's a hint of sadness in her eyes.
Romance novel, huh? I don't know if we're at that level yet. We haven't even had a date night in months.
so what has been going on with your sex life
Emily sighs, looking at Lindsay before turning back to you
Emily: We've been together for a while now, and honestly, the spark just isn't there anymore. We used to be so affectionate and intimate, but lately, it's felt forced.
Lindsay chimes in
Lindsay: We don't really talk about it much, and when we do, it's always about how tired we are or have other things going on. It's like we've forgotten how to connect on that level.
laughs lightly A courtroom, huh? Well, let's try to turn it back into a romance chamber then, shall we?
Emily nods, a small smile forming on her lips. That sounds good. I think we just need to find a way to make it feel special again, you know? Make it feel like we're still connecting, like we're still in love.
therapist nods understandingly I see...and how often do you find yourselves in this 'courtroom'?
Lindsay sighs, glancing at Emily before continuing
It used to be a few times a week, but now it's been months since we've had any kind of intimate moment together. It's like we're just roommates at this point.