Sex and Intimacy

Abstract

Sex and intimacy are experienced in couple relationships through a diverse range of modalities. Different levels of desire for sex are typical in couple relationships and these are often differentiated by gender, age and parenthood. There is, however, no correlation between differences in desire and diminished ratings of relationship satisfaction. Sexual intimacy is experienced as an embodied form of deep knowing alongside other forms of intimate communication. These findings suggest that we need to think again about what constitutes a normal and/or healthy sex life, as couples appear to understand the vagaries of sex as part and parcel of their long-term relationships and not a problem per se. The longevity of partnerships seems to be connected with couples’ capacity to negotiate changing circumstances.