Question

What is a characteristic of a good lover?

1) He or she rarely engages in disagreements with a partner.
2) He or she is direct in telling a partner what he or she needs for sexual satisfaction.
3) He or she puts a partner's sexual needs before his or her own.
4) He or she has had more than one but not too many past sexual partners.

Answer 1

A good lover often has the characteristics of being communicative about needs and attentive to their partner's needs, qualities that are more important than the number of past sexual partners.

Step-by-step explanation:

A characteristic of a good lover can vary greatly among individuals, reflecting the personal values and sexual preferences unique to each person. An element often appreciated in a lover is the capacity and willingness to engage in open communication regarding sexual needs and satisfaction, typically supporting a healthy sexual relationship. This includes being direct about one's needs while also being attentive and considerate to the needs of their partner, suggesting that options 2) and 3) may indicate characteristics of a good lover.

It's also important to recognize that the number of past sexual partners does not inherently define someone's ability to be a good lover; this is a personal aspect that varies widely per individual and cultural or societal expectations. Based on Robert Sternberg's theory of love, a combination of intimacy, passion, and commitment, which creates consummate love, could be considered an ideal within romantic partnerships. Lastly, the social exchange theory implies that the satisfaction in a relationship is partly determined by the perceived balance of costs and benefits, including sexual satisfaction.