Core Motivation
A dimension that summarizes the main reasons someone seeks intimacy (e.g., bonding, validation, novelty, stress relief, pleasure, meaning).
What This Really Means
Core Motivation helps explain “what sex is for” in a person’s emotional system, which can differ across cultures, life stages, and relationship structures.
Differences in motivation are common friction points: one partner may want reassurance while the other wants play or release.
Best practice is to translate motivation into consent-friendly requests and shared rituals.
Examples
One partner wants closeness and reassurance
Another wants novelty and excitement
A couple finds their shared motivation is relaxation and reconnection after stress.
Common Misunderstandings
Tap each myth to reveal the reality
There isn’t always only one healthy motivation, and Core Motivation is about a dimension that summarizes the main reasons someone seeks intimacy (e.g., bonding, validation, novelty, stress relief, pleasure, meaning).
Core Motivation is not the same as entitlement, and it describes a dimension that summarizes the main reasons someone seeks intimacy (e.g., bonding, validation, novelty, stress relief, pleasure, meaning).
Core Motivation describes a dimension that summarizes the main reasons someone seeks intimacy (e.g., bonding, validation, novelty, stress relief, pleasure, meaning), so it doesn’t mean that if motivations differ, the relationship won’t work.
Motivation can feel like fixed forever sometimes, but Core Motivation refers to a dimension that summarizes the main reasons someone seeks intimacy (e.g., bonding, validation, novelty, stress relief, pleasure, meaning).
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Inside LoveIQ
We identify patterns related to Core Motivation by analyzing responses in our assessment modules, helping you understand your unique relationship dynamics.
Sample visualization of a gap metric.
“You don't need to label yourself. These terms help describe patterns — not define you.”
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