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Can Marriage Without Sex Be Successful? Here's What Experts Say
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia

Can Marriage Without Sex Be Successful? Here's What Experts Say

From Veฤernji List · (14h ago) Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Marriages without sex are more common than often discussed, with some experts defining it as fewer than 10 sexual encounters per year.
  • While sex is considered very important for marital satisfaction by a majority of married adults in the US, experts suggest marriages can succeed without it under certain conditions.
  • Success hinges on factors like both partners having low libidos, one partner having a health issue, or the couple prioritizing other aspects of their shared life.

Zagreb, Croatia โ€“ The intimate landscape of marriage often includes discussions about physical intimacy, yet the reality of sexless marriages is a topic rarely explored openly. Veฤernji List delves into this sensitive subject, presenting expert insights on whether a marriage can truly thrive without regular sexual activity.

For some people, sex is not a priority. For others, it is very important, like any other activity.

โ€” Celeste HirschmanExplaining that not all individuals prioritize sex equally in a marriage.

While a significant portion of married adults, particularly in the US, view satisfying sex as crucial for a successful union, the article highlights that this isn't a universal truth. Experts suggest that for some couples, sex simply isn't a primary focus. The definition of a 'sexless marriage' varies, but it generally implies a significant reduction in sexual activity, sometimes to as little as fewer than 10 times a year, or even less frequently.

Most people place significant value on sex because through it they experience feelings of love, attraction, eroticism, and passion that they do not have in other relationships.

โ€” Irene FehrDescribing the emotional and physical significance of sex in romantic relationships.

From a Croatian perspective, where traditional values often intersect with modern relationship dynamics, this discussion is particularly relevant. The article posits that a marriage can endure, and even flourish, without frequent sex if both partners are content with the arrangement. Key conditions include aligned low libidos, managing health issues that affect sexual desire, or a mutual agreement to prioritize other shared goals, such as raising children or running a business. Conversely, mismatched libidos or underlying relationship problems can turn a lack of sex into a symptom of deeper marital distress. Veฤernji List aims to provide a nuanced view, acknowledging that while sex is important for many, it is not the sole determinant of marital success for all.

People enter romantic relationships so they can share sexual desire, attraction, and connection โ€“ that is what distinguishes a romantic relationship from a friendship.

โ€” Irene FehrDefining the role of sexual connection in romantic partnerships.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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