In the context of a romantic relationship, agreed-upon rituals for sex initiation/refusal serve primarily to...

• A. Speed up the decision-making process.
• B. Make sex unconditional.
• C. Clarify expectations and reduce anxiety around intimacy.
• D. Remove all disagreements.

Answer: (C)

In Gottman theory, agreed-upon rituals for sex initiation and refusal create clear signals about desires, boundaries, and consent, which builds emotional safety in intimacy. When couples establish predictable cues and responses, each partner understands what to expect, reducing misreadings and anxiety about how the other feels. This clarity helps both people align on when to engage and when to pause, making intimacy more mutual and comfortable. The focus is on communication that supports consent and reduces worry, not on rushing decisions, making sex unconditional, or eliminating all disagreements.