Sex
Any way you want it, thats the way you need it.
Ask 10 couples how important sex is in a relationship and youll get 10 different answers.
And these differences in libido can become even more pronounced if you and your partner dont talk through them.
And if sex is important to you and your partner, then its important in the relationship.
How Important Is Sex In A Long-Term Relationship?
But it can also be the first thing to fall by the wayside.
In long-term relationships, it is inevitable and completely normal that sex will ebb and flow, says Lucas.
Stress, burnout, and busy schedules could all be culprits, she adds.
Maybe when you first met, you couldnt keep your hands off each other.
Now that youre living together, you may only have sex once or twice a week.
Lucas adds that part of this intimacy means becoming comfortable with communicating your needs.
Its also time to get honest about your turn-ons.
How Important Is Sex In A New Relationship?
Thats why knowing yourself sexually can be invaluable even before you find a partner.
Wood often starts by asking clients how important sex is to them on a scale of one to 10.
I would never match a one with a seven, says Wood.
Basically, sex matters from the start.
A new relationship can also be a good time to be honest about whatyouwant and need.
What do you both like?
What turns you on?
Its an opportunity to explore new things.
If you know what you need, you could assess whether your partner is able to provide it.
These questions can be helpful to address before youre deeply settled into a long-term relationship.
How Important Is Sex In A Long-Distance Relationship?
Sex in a long-distance relationshipcan feel high stakes, sex educator Ann Hodder-Shipppreviously toldBustle.
You may feel enhanced desire for each other, which is great.
But often, people in long-distance relationships think sex has to be in-person to count, notes Wood.
And thats not true.
So its helpful to get creative with what sex means.
Sexting, sex over FaceTime, and BDSM play dont require you to be in the same ZIP code.
