Desire discrepancy
Also known as libido mismatchmismatched sex drivesdesire difference
Desire discrepancy is when partners want intimacy at different frequencies or intensities — an extremely common, workable situation rather than a sign of a broken relationship.
The gist
Almost every couple experiences differences in desire at some point; it's one of the most common intimacy topics. The healthiest approach treats it as a shared puzzle rather than one person's fault: open conversation, curiosity about each other's patterns (spontaneous vs. responsive), and compromise usually go much further than pressure or avoidance.
Related
Desire (libido)
Desire, or libido, is the wish for sexual connection — a natural drive that fluctuates over time and differs widely between healthy people.
Responsive desire
Responsive desire is arousal that grows in response to intimacy or connection rather than appearing beforehand — a common and completely healthy pattern.
Sexual communication
Sexual communication is openly talking about desires, boundaries, and feedback with a partner — the single most reliable ingredient of a satisfying intimate life.