Wellness

Sexual Marriage: Signs of Healthy Sex Life

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jul 31, 2022 • 3 min read

In a sexual marriage, a couple can foster emotional intimacy and improve their overall well-being by encouraging their sex drive. Learn about sexual behaviors that reflect a healthy married life.

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Why Is Sex in Marriage Important?

Sex is an essential part of promoting an intimate and healthy relationship. Having sex with your significant other is a way to display affection and foster an emotional bond. Sex also encourages self-confidence and relieves stress, which supports your mental health. As partners celebrate their sensuality, they develop a strong sense of comfort in each other’s company.

Signs of a Healthy Sex Life in Marriage

The amount of sex a married couple has does not dictate a healthy relationship. Signs of a positive romantic relationship stem from a strong emotional and physical attraction and include:

  • Acceptance of flaws: Sex is a vulnerable act. When partners accept and embrace each other’s flaws, they promote a deeper level of intimacy and a stronger emotional connection. Loving and appreciating each other’s bodies promotes both spouses' self-esteem and creates a foundation for a healthy sex life.
  • Open communication: Honest communication in the form of consent and shared expectations is a sign of a healthy relationship. Sex should be an equal act that considers both partners’ needs. Having meaningful conversations with your significant other about what you like and don’t like is a great way to promote a healthy sex life. Try a “yes, no, maybe” list to learn about each other’s preferences.
  • Physical attraction: Enjoying each other’s company is another sign of a healthy relationship. As you and your partner grow and change over time, it’s important to maintain intimacy and affection for each other. Holding hands, planning date nights, and complimenting each other are signs of a positive level of attraction.

What Is a Sexless Marriage?

A sexless marriage describes a relationship between spouses who do not engage in sexual activity. The term can also apply to couples who only engage in sexual intimacy a few times a year. Different circumstances result in a sexless relationship; however, some common factors that contribute to a lack of sex include stress, fatigue, and busy schedules.

How to Have a Healthy Sex Life in Marriage

Creating a healthy sex life is a joint effort. Partners should work together to maintain their romantic spark.

  • Communicate your needs. Sexual satisfaction results from effective communication. Use conversations to build intimacy and open up with your partner. The more you share your feelings and personal life, the more comfortable you’ll feel around your spouse. You can also use these conversations to communicate your expectations and comforts regarding your sex marriage.
  • Prioritize intimacy. If you and your partner both have busy schedules, set a time during the week for a date night to maintain your frequency of sex. Change up your activity and remain present in the moment to eliminate distractions and prevent your relationship from entering a rut.
  • Be spontaneous. Keep your sex life fresh by initiating romance spontaneously. While it’s good to set date nights, make time for intimate acts throughout the day. Consider grabbing your partner’s hand or pulling them in for a kiss to set the mood and increase your sexual frequency.

3 Ways to Foster Intimacy in Marriage

While promoting your sexual desires is important, you and your partner can build intimacy outside of sex. Consider these tips for fostering a deeper connection:

  1. 1. Display physical affection. Intimacy commonly refers to sexual activity, but there are many ways to build physical intimacy. Hug your loved one and give them a shoulder to lean on to strengthen the bond between you. If you are in a sexual relationship, holding hands in public and cuddling can help maintain intimacy and a healthy sex life.
  2. 2. Practice gratitude. Showing appreciation demonstrates you value the other person in a relationship. You can show appreciation by saying thank you, buying gifts, and returning favors.
  3. 3. Support each other’s passions. Embracing your partner’s pursuits demonstrates your love and support of their values. By providing positive encouragement and advice, you can foster intimacy through motivation.

Let’s Talk About Sex

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a MasterClass Annual Membership and learn more about open communication with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast Sex With Emily).