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Shan Boodram

Sex is an essential part of promoting an intimate and healthy relationship. Having [sex](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-important-is-sex-in-a-relationship) with your significant other is a way to display affection and foster an [emotional](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/emotional-safety) 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. 
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](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/intimacy-in-a-relationship) 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](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/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.
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. 
Creating a healthy sex life is a joint [effort](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/effort-in-a-relationship). Partners should work together to maintain their romantic spark. 

- __Communicate your needs__. Sexual satisfaction results from <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-communication-skills' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-communication-skills","linkCopy":"effective communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>effective communication</a>. 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](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-communicate-in-a-relationship) 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. 
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. __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. __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. __Support each other’s passions__. Embracing your partner’s pursuits demonstrates your love and [support](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-be-a-supportive-partner) of their values. By providing positive encouragement and advice, you can foster intimacy through motivation.
Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> 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*). 
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.

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. 

Sexual Marriage: Signs of Healthy Sex Life

Sex is an essential part of promoting an intimate and healthy relationship. Having <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-important-is-sex-in-a-relationship' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-important-is-sex-in-a-relationship","linkCopy":"sex","category":null}'>sex</a> with your significant other is a way to display affection and foster an <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/emotional-safety' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/emotional-safety","linkCopy":"emotional","category":null}'>emotional</a> 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.

Why Is Sex in Marriage Important?

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: <ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Acceptance of flaws: Sex is a vulnerable act. When partners accept and embrace each other’s flaws, they promote a deeper level of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/intimacy-in-a-relationship' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/intimacy-in-a-relationship","linkCopy":"intimacy","category":null}'>intimacy</a> and a stronger emotional connection. Loving and appreciating each other’s bodies promotes both spouses&#39; self-esteem and creates a foundation for a healthy sex life. </li><li class="">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 “<a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/yes-no-maybe-list' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/yes-no-maybe-list","linkCopy":"yes, no, maybe” list","category":null}'>yes, no, maybe” list</a> to learn about each other’s preferences. </li><li class="">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. </li></ul>

Signs of a Healthy Sex Life in 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.

What Is a Sexless Marriage?

Creating a healthy sex life is a joint <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/effort-in-a-relationship' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/effort-in-a-relationship","linkCopy":"effort","category":null}'>effort</a>. Partners should work together to maintain their romantic spark. <ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Communicate your needs. Sexual satisfaction results from <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-communication-skills' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-communication-skills","linkCopy":"effective communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>effective communication</a>. 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 <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-communicate-in-a-relationship' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-communicate-in-a-relationship","linkCopy":"communicate","category":null}'>communicate</a> your expectations and comforts regarding your sex marriage. </li><li class="">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. </li><li class="">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. </li></ul>

How to Have a Healthy Sex Life 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:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 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. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 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. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Support each other’s passions. Embracing your partner’s pursuits demonstrates your love and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-be-a-supportive-partner' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-be-a-supportive-partner","linkCopy":"support","category":null}'>support</a> of their values. By providing positive encouragement and advice, you can foster intimacy through motivation. </li></ol>

3 Ways to Foster Intimacy in Marriage

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> 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).

Let’s Talk About Sex

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.

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. 


sexual-marriage

Sexual intimacy is a connection between sexual partners that relies on simultaneous physical attraction and [emotional vulnerability](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/emotional-vulnerability). The physical act of sex can be stimulating, but deeper feelings, [trust](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/building-trust), and care promote sexual chemistry in intimate relationships. Building sexual intimacy through an emotional connection can lead to more satisfying sexual experiences. Sexual, [emotional](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/emotional-intimacy), experiential, [intellectual](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/intellectual-intimacy), and physical intimacy all contribute to healthy, lasting relationships.
Sexually intimate and sexually disconnected relationships can both involve physical contact and genital stimulation, but they differ emotionally. Sexual intimacy comes from a positive place: a generosity between sexual partners and a desire to pleasure one another. Sexual intimacy necessitates vulnerability, risk-taking, and trust.

Sexually disconnected partners, meanwhile, might have sex but struggle with trust and other forms of intimacy, such as nonsexual physical touch or emotional intimacy. In disconnected relationships, partners want to experience sexual pleasure, but the sex often becomes more rote and less intense. This might happen to long-term relationships or married couples not working on spicing up their sex life. Sometimes, couples without intimacy stop having sex entirely, which can breed resentment.
Intimacy requires partners to be open and vulnerable with each other. Sexual intimacy is an integral part of any sexual relationship. If you cannot trust your partner, you will not be able to enjoy yourself wholly. Closing yourself off can make it harder to foster connections, and this isolation can impact your mental health.

Practice intimacy on your terms. Many types of intimacy exist, and not everyone needs to lead from sexuality in building bonds. Intellectual, experiential, emotional, and spiritual intimacy are other forms of intimacy that promote healthy relationships.
Building sexual intimacy can have several physical and mental health benefits. Consider the following advantages:

1. __Connectivity__: Sexual intimacy brings two people closer through [communication](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-communicate-in-a-relationship) and understanding. Deep emotional bonds can lead to better sex. Emotional connectedness is an important factor for sexual activity involving [kink](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/kinky-sex-guide) and sexual fantasies.
2. __Endorphins__: Sex releases feel-good [endorphins](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/endorphins-explained) that lead to [stress reduction](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-calm-yourself-down) and [happiness](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-happiness), which help your overall well-being.
3. __Mental health__: Sex can center your breathing and help you relax, improving your [mental health](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mental-health).
4. __Self-esteem__: Awakening your sexual self and feeling desired by another can increase your [self-esteem](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-esteem) and make you move through the world more confidently.
If you have intimacy issues or want to build sexual chemistry with a new partner, try these tactics:

1. __Ask your partner what they want__. All relationships require open communication, particularly when it comes to sex. See if your partner has any preferences and support their desires.
2. __Delay sex__. With new couples, delaying sex can increase desire. Waiting a little longer to have sex can keep a charge in the air and boost your sex drive.
3. __Give new positions a try__. Change your regular sexual practices; you may find that you like something new. You can also try having sex at different times of the day to see if your mood shifts.
4. __Keep a journal__. Writing about intimacy in a journal can help you identify issues and [relationship needs](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/needs-in-a-relationship).
5. __See a sex therapist__. Couples and individuals can also start [sex therapy](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-sex-therapist). Professional sex therapists give partners prompts and techniques to break down barriers, speak more openly, and engage in more vulnerable sexual activity.
Kissing and vaginal, [anal](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-safer-anal-sex), and [oral sex](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cunnilingus-guide) involve physical touch, but there are also nonphysical ways for romantic partners to practice foreplay or foster sexual intimacy. [Sexting](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/sexting-games)—sending sexy text messages—is one way to stimulate you and your partner, and sustained eye contact or verbal banter and flirting are other methods to manifest attraction.

Sometimes, these acts lead to physical intimacy, such as hugging, kissing, or [cuddling](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cuddling). However, they do not have to—withholding from sex can augment sexual desire and lead to more satisfying sexual experiences.
Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> 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*). 
Many romantic relationships depend on a healthy sex life. Learn about the importance of emotional closeness in the bedroom and how couples can foster sexual intimacy.

Many romantic relationships depend on a healthy sex life. Learn about the importance of emotional closeness in the bedroom and how couples can foster sexual intimacy.

Sexual Intimacy: How to Build a Sexually Intimate Relationship

Sexual intimacy is a connection between sexual partners that relies on simultaneous physical attraction and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/emotional-vulnerability' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/emotional-vulnerability","linkCopy":"emotional vulnerability","category":null}'>emotional vulnerability</a>. The physical act of sex can be stimulating, but deeper feelings, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/building-trust' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/building-trust","linkCopy":"trust","category":null}'>trust</a>, and care promote sexual chemistry in intimate relationships. Building sexual intimacy through an emotional connection can lead to more satisfying sexual experiences. Sexual, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/emotional-intimacy' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/emotional-intimacy","linkCopy":"emotional","category":null}'>emotional</a>, experiential, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/intellectual-intimacy' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/intellectual-intimacy","linkCopy":"intellectual","category":null}'>intellectual</a>, and physical intimacy all contribute to healthy, lasting relationships.

What Is Sexual Intimacy?

Sexually intimate and sexually disconnected relationships can both involve physical contact and genital stimulation, but they differ emotionally. Sexual intimacy comes from a positive place: a generosity between sexual partners and a desire to pleasure one another. Sexual intimacy necessitates vulnerability, risk-taking, and trust.Sexually disconnected partners, meanwhile, might have sex but struggle with trust and other forms of intimacy, such as nonsexual physical touch or emotional intimacy. In disconnected relationships, partners want to experience sexual pleasure, but the sex often becomes more rote and less intense. This might happen to long-term relationships or married couples not working on spicing up their sex life. Sometimes, couples without intimacy stop having sex entirely, which can breed resentment.

Sexually Intimate vs. Sexually Disconnected Relationships

Intimacy requires partners to be open and vulnerable with each other. Sexual intimacy is an integral part of any sexual relationship. If you cannot trust your partner, you will not be able to enjoy yourself wholly. Closing yourself off can make it harder to foster connections, and this isolation can impact your mental health.Practice intimacy on your terms. Many types of intimacy exist, and not everyone needs to lead from sexuality in building bonds. Intellectual, experiential, emotional, and spiritual intimacy are other forms of intimacy that promote healthy relationships.

The Role of Intimacy in Relationships and Overall Health

Many romantic relationships depend on a healthy sex life. Learn about the importance of emotional closeness in the bedroom and how couples can foster sexual intimacy.

Many romantic relationships depend on a healthy sex life. Learn about the importance of emotional closeness in the bedroom and how couples can foster sexual intimacy.


Cultivate Intimacy & Sexual Well-being