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Ceremony Quote by Havelock Ellis

“Courtship, properly understood, is the process whereby both the male and the female are brought into that state of sexual tumescence which is a more or less necessary condition for sexual intercourse. The play of courtship cannot, therefore, be considered to be definitely brought to an end by the…” quote by Havelock Ellis
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“Courtship, properly understood, is the process whereby both the male and the female are brought into that state of sexual tumescence which is a more or less necessary condition for sexual intercourse. The play of courtship cannot, therefore, be considered to be definitely brought to an end by the ceremony of marriage; it may more properly be regarded as the natural preliminary to every act of coitus.”

Havelock Ellis

About This Quote

Courtship is a mutual sexual arousal process that precedes intercourse and is not ended by marriage.

In simple terms: Courtship prepares for sex and continues beyond marriage.

Key Takeaway

Recognize courtship as ongoing relational development.

Themes

relationships sexuality marriage biology

Mood

thoughtful informative

Type

sociological educational

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • marital counseling
  • sex education
  • relationship building

Key Concepts

human sexuality social rituals

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does marriage change the nature of courtship?
  • Can courtship exist without sexual intent?
A Different Perspective

Marriage does not automatically conclude the courtship dynamic.

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