New Thinking About Sex and Relationship Longevity

A recent survey of 2,000 men and women, conducted by the UK dating website Illicit Encounters, looked at the top 10 things that men and women say they enjoy most about sex. It found that women listed experiencing greater bonding with their partner, reduced stress, and increased self-confidence. In contrast, men said what they enjoyed most was physical pleasure. Adding to that, they also rated at the very top of the list the thrill of “first-time sex with a new partner.”
But there’s a twist to these survey findings; it links with some new research about what can sustain an integrated emotional and sexual relationship for the long run—after “the thrill is gone.” The survey found that both men and women gave high priority to maintaining intimate connection overall—through and beyond their sexual satisfaction and immediate pleasures. Sex and its aftermath were insufficient to maintain that connection.
New Thinking About Sex and Relationship Longevity