What constitutes a satisfying sexual experience, and how important sex is to relationship satisfaction, depends on the couple. Sex may increase emotional closeness and contribute to maintaining a healthy relationship. You can maintain a great sexual relationship in a long term relationship if you are intentional and make sexual activity a priority. Relationship satisfaction is higher in men and women that feel emotionally connected to their partners. Sex more often can improve connection in supportive relationships.
However, if a couple want to have sex and feel emotional intimacy to one another without a physical relationship than it is not a problem. If the couple does not want a sexual relationship they can still have an intimate relationship. Both individuals need to be in agreement that intercourse is not necessary to maintain a romantic bond with one another.
A relationship where one partner desires a sex and the other does not is not likely to survive without sex. There is not a one size fits all recipe for a satisfying physical relationship, it is dependent on the preferences of the individual and couple. What is important is that you find someone compatible with your level of desire.
It depends on the couple, their history and beliefs around sexual activity, their communication, and whether or not sex is a positive experience that makes the couple feel good or if it is a source of tension. Sex can be a positive experience that is a source of pleasure and happiness in a relationship or it can be negative if the relationship is strained or either partner has a history of sexual trauma, mismatched libido, or health issues that can be hormone related or otherwise.
Yes it certainly can. Research shows that in supportive relationships sexual activity can improve intimacy, boost self-esteem and positive body image, reduce stress, and offer benefits such as lower blood pressure and improved sleep that benefit overall health.
