Is sex a big part of a relationship?

[jollyholly]

[nightdrot]

Yup. No doubt of it. While it is not sufficient for a relationship, it is necessary to a relationship.

My girlfriend and I have lived together for 12 years and have three children. We, somewhat to our own surprise as we are actually otherwise fairly traditional, found that the idea of a big ceremony, an expensive ring and a permission slip from the state was a turn-off. My girlfriend and I love what we share. It is natural and beautiful and marriage seemed like a contrivance that took from that. An artifice that added nothing meaningful and so seemed to actually diminish what she and I share.

There is so much that we share and I love her - and the three little gifts she has given me - with all my heart. I cannot imagine how empty my life would be without her.

Yet sex is important to that. As a man, I need that sense of animal release. When we have sex we are reduced to our most base selves. Shorn of all pretense. I am all that I am and nothing else, giving the most elemental thing a man can give to a woman - my sperm, my seed. My girlfriend is giving herself to me, her naked body for my use and my pleasure and to bear my offspring.

Truthfully, it is very base and very primal and very instinctive. We stop being humans in a way and are just two animals breeding in a field. Doing what nature made us to do and instinct drives us to do. We are all that we are and nothing else, sharing and giving to each other.

Yet here is the funny part. It becomes the most intense intimate love. It is like the whole universe shrinks down to just the two of us. I want her and I need her and when I feel her skin against mine, and when I feel her warmth in my arms and when I feel myself inside her, the sense of connection and intimacy and a sense of sharing and love - and being loved - like I have never known.

It is animal and primal. I feel like a man, raw and bestial, and I feel a sense of physical release. (My girlfriend jokes that I am controlled by my penis.) I also feel warm and safe and love and respected and wanted.

Could I live without sex with my gf? Probably. There is more to what we share than sex. It is intellectual and emotional and not just physical and instinctive. Yet, I can't lie, I would feel lonely. There would be a sense of connection that would just not be there anymore and there would be a need - both animal and emotional - that I would miss.

So yes, sex is a big thing in a relationship. It is about who we are and what we share. It is being open and honest and vulnerable to another human in a way that you could otherwise never be. A relationship can survive without sex, but it would be a shadow of what it could be - and I, and I think most people, would feel that intensely.

[Dargil]

A relationship is like a round table with six legs that represent different parts of it. Like common interest, trust, beliefs, temperament, physical attraction and sex.

The relationship can survive if a leg is missing or weak but can topple the marriage as well. Sex is not the only key but it is integral. Very few guys will stay in a relationship without sexual intimacy without an external outlet. One way or the other, he will get off.

[Anonymous]

It is for immature people that have the self-control of a field mouse. That's the predominant thought process for them & it's typically why their standards are low.

A big part of a proper meaningful relationship is everything. Sex is just, in a way, a bonus. If you truly love someone a simple cuddle is just as intimidate or affectionate as having sex.

[Opinion Owner]

*a simple cuddle is just as intimate or affectionate as having sex.

[Robbey]

It's an important part of a serious relationship. It's not the most important thing but it is important.

[petrichowu]

Emotional connection is obviously very important as well, but sex is an amazing bonding experience that is even better when you do it with someone you care about.

[msss98]

Its quite important in my opinion

[arabgoddess]

It's the glue in the marriage.. If there's no sex then what's the point of being married

[reptocarl]

Very big part

[SlothySlob]

For some people that value exclusivity, yes.

[beldath]

For men it's important to have sex, especially later in a relationship where their partners aren't as interested in it.
The biggest complaint I hear from all older men, and most younger men, is that the sex slows down to a trickle after a while. That's why most of the men that cheat do. (it's sad but true.)

[blutwolfe]

I wouldn't say it's a relationship without it, being intimate is a big part

[FrenchKorean]

Thats very important for me i think

[TheFlak38]

if you don't suck dick then don't get involved.

[HelenJacob]

yess

[Plitty-Tank]

Yes and if you have sex outside of marriage, you are a fornicator or adulterer if married and with somebody other than spouse. This is a 1st degree spiritual sin.

[MzWho]

No!!

[Anonymous]

Is the pope catholic?