CONFLICT THESAURUS

SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION



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HELPFUL TIP:

Conflict is your story’s secret sauce, supplying tension, friction, and complications to a character’s journey. It comes in a million different forms, so identify the obstacles and problems that will hit your character the hardest by using the Character Builder to uncover their primary insecurities, fears , and desires. Don’t forget to include everyday conflict scenarios that will frustrate them and keep the pressure high.
CATEGORY:
Relationship friction, failures and mistakes, ego-related conflict

EXAMPLES:
The character not being able to perform during sex due to erectile dysfunction 
Having to abstain from sex because of a medical risk or an injury that makes the act impossible
Being unable to have sex for emotional or mental reasons (due to being sexually abused or assaulted, a phobia, etc.)
Being unable to have or enjoy sex because of side effects from a necessary medication 
Avoiding sex due to discomfort or pain after a birth, illness, or surgery

MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
The character having awkward conversations with their partner about emotions, sexual desire, or intimate body parts 
Having to lie or make up excuses to avoid sexual intimacy with a partner
The character faking arousal or orgasm to avoid admitting or discussing their dysfunction
Dealing with side effects from medication prescribed for the problem
Trying to find solutions to the issue—eating foods or taking supplements that claim to increase libido, trying acupuncture, seeing a specialist, etc.
The embarrassment of having to see a doctor or attend therapy—alone or with a partner—to address the issue
A well-meaning but ignorant partner trying to solve the problem with ineffective methods, such as suggesting they role play to "spice things up"
Intimacy waning in the relationship because of the issue
Minor arguments and friction about other things because of the underlying problem
Experiencing embarrassment when friends talk openly about sex

POTENTIALLY DISASTROUS RESULTS:
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RESULTING EMOTIONS:
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POSSIBLE INTERNAL STRUGGLES:
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PEOPLE WHO COULD BE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED:
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NEGATIVE TRAITS THAT COULD MAKE THE SITUATION WORSE:
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IMPACT ON BASIC NEEDS:
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WOUNDS THIS COULD LEAD TO:
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POSITIVE TRAITS TO HELP THE CHARACTER COPE:
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POSITIVE OUTCOMES:
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