Sex and Relationships
Sex is an important part of many romantic relationships. Whether you're in a brand new relationship, or have been married for decades, healthy communication between you and your partner can go a long way toward maintaining intimacy in a safe and satisfying way.
![Upset sad millennial girl sitting by window looking at mobile phone waiting call from boyfriend](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/9oFilJcbLo8egmDcksww0JJCyfs=/600x450/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1962629085-b019478a9a9946c2b4c4c54b196e8b3e.jpg)
I Miss My Ex, What Should I Do?
![Woman lying in bed with illustrated plants growing around her](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/MKPKWvAD_0mFCA6Y60oa1JzwfSM=/600x450/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/VWM-voluntary-Celibacy-getty-A-d368efc3a21544b898755f1b83873682.jpg)
Voluntary Celibacy—Did Everyone Really Stop Having Sex?
![Elegant dressed Man and woman are talking and smiling while walking down the street.](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/7sf4GhISBGc7UFAmEh5kUSpFEXw=/600x450/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Studio4-5a57356b4984417f84de55204650db3e.jpg)
What Does It Take to Be a Power Couple?
![composite of two people kissing while swimming](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/jN9TmQxoKynNRw70wOeMUIDt_mo=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/VWM-why-do-humas-kiss-b-stocksy2-8ade76631f35474681e6ec4bc6960172.jpg)
Why Do Humans Kiss?
![couple in bed, man is giving woman a shoulder massage](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/Q5x4pVvM_s91Th3d9pajao6Igac=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Erdark-5afc13d76b7046f48fbe22e0238a2fd7.jpg)
Can Tantric Massage Enhance Your Sex Life?
![VWM Photo Composite - Dirty Talk](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/lz0w6stnhYfxmM89Z0uoAv35FJc=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/VWM-Dirty-Talk-GettyImages-173758811-8f24b35e3227457192f49d62f0b012b6.jpg)
Dirty Talk 101: Expert Tips and How to Make it Less Weird
![couple lying in bed, girlfriend is asleep with hair over her face, boyfriend is sneakily looking at texts on his phone (possibly from another woman!)](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/Zq2KUBsIWuknmrsa21WRJX9ixrg=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WANDERWOMANCOLLECTIVE-2391c9d8606f422bb276fc6d2cf22b15.jpg)
Is Sexting Considered Cheating? Exploring the Boundaries of Infidelity
![Depressed asian woman sitting on sofa holding a cushion](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/5i39miCxXjvQfgx0uhN-cdDD3PM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/KilitoChan-628ab3adf3684ba4965e7e0008137a70.jpg)
The Unique Pain of a Short-Term Relationship Breakup
![couples partying on a deck outside](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/P_5TCQMw-GWIndT5kznNxYSq3S8=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/UgurKarakoc-c83f3fa7491d4c36a132031dbf7dd1f7.jpg)
Swinging 101: Deciding If It's Right For You
![couple lying in bed holding hands, bare arms and back](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/Prl79jdkvyYKr00IOzCG-K33dpo=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ColinAndersonProductionsptyltd-afb33a2e554942a8ab76215906ed8c5f.jpg)
Breaking Down the Most Important Elements of a Healthy Sex Life
![Young African man looking unhappy while lying awake next to his sleeping wife in their bed in the morning](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/Ens5ujlxTxCurxSAgC18EN9PT7g=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GoodboyPictureCompany-b7d91fa6031b471f8f3d341b9f59eefa.jpg)
Feeling Touch Starved in Your Relationship? Here's What You Need to Know
![Two young students studying in a coffee shop.](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/lLOmj2Wit-DhrqvFn6Jpa2AuYBc=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PeopleImagesL-65f7e020beae423eabeabe1e9209467f.jpg)
How to Navigate the Complicated World of College Dating
![Leisurely male friends reclining on bed with smart phones.](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/Ks9etkmVbJKbJM4WKQiWDK8NEho=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1thianchaisitthikongsak-bede7f2a574a44e2a03f38d5eaa0e018.jpg)
Friends With Benefits: What It Looks Like and How to Make It Work
![Shot of a young couple having an argument in the bedroom at home](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/_iJSJQNYcwXXDX0OCct8i1fqCfw=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1291747772-3fa2e9b2d7004bc3b6a02ac9fc8fd1a7.jpg)
Postcoital Dysphoria: How to Cope With the "Post-Sex Blues"
![A melancholic teddy bear sits attentively and waits. And watches.](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/tLGoXudeh92CierG1ClS_nF-wCk=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-93386410-dde01a4a77a14666a489c39ab1bbafdc.jpg)
Plushophilia (Sexual or Emotional Attraction to Stuffed Animals)—What to Know
![mixed race gay couple making out being happy](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/tNEKKMBCNt3DCQy15zontz8yh4E=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/johngress-25be42129d9145e3bb0bf3f4423dcbcb.jpg)
What Does It Mean To Be Sex Positive?
![Young couple reading at bed before sleeping.](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/RzVJQhjxeC0s6KYHfdB8Q4CZvi0=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MarcBordonsStocksy-be276673700b4b2fb147b1b2857e0f23.jpg)
Why Sexual Aftercare Is So Important and How to Practice It
![Close-up portrait of a freckled girl kissing her boyfriend while they are on an outdoor date. Wheat field. People lifestyle concept](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/ki90yDzga0WeEGbQy_nQmx2zlC0=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-13731836481-94a5e31f82714d51a3b5c9eb78333b7a.jpg)
What Is Consent?
![couple in bed](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/RF-uSUFHQcXs_pREhoUktM08_Fk=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-639554475-10c8978a93aa418fb1b1cdd41445f820.jpg)
How to Be More Sexually Intimate With Your Partner
![infidelity](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/fwjGeCSIlMByKTuiD2YI4YsPxVA=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PeterCade-31f26be116c84081a9ec3d0337762491.jpg)
Infidelity: Signs, Types, and How to Cope
![Two men embracing while laying in bed together after meeting up using a dating app](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/Bf0btT_vfs6gaMVkqLxgIeA0dxg=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1308402094-a83bed1861ab40e88b5851e48c258e59.jpg)
Promiscuity: What This Term Means, Causes, History
![Young couple lying in bed embracing face to face](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/Y7RqeLyosT2Fw8whx6-An2fKKVE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-7339317171-ca761707e24546daa69c3ceada0b83e2.jpg)
How to Talk to Your Partner About Period Sex
![Refinery29 Australia - We Are Many Image Gallery](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/1UHrI-ksBMHKQY_QyeAO2rxz734=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1332202807-dcdcc2efcaff4c19903b28688f8e9cd3.jpg)
How to Initiate Sex With Your Partner
![three lovers](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/2xvflkzccDLGtshBh7Aizujk-iU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1138222275-2b42d1d1b7be4b6fac1e5b13ec0aa3b3.jpg)
Bigamy vs. Polygamy
![Conceptual of bad condition of broken hearted, sadness, loneliness or depress woman](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/7t53kH0k3Or70Hqq4ez3lC6TIG0=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1222224231-dd087ee6c3ff4505a4add30b960db9f9.jpg)
How Sexual Repression Can Impact Your Life
![BIPOC woman alone in bed](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/ZR2Qx4NEk5GvQAyDZgGmhw-z1zA=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1298119727-327a0a61f8314749b9e239713e1e40fa.jpg)
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Celibacy
![unicorn polyamory](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/Lp2XmhkXZDsorzgpCgBrua4LhhI=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1308483270-17fcc81fb39f4539bf7249b465aae5e9.jpg)
What Is Unicorn Polyamory?
![Cuckold relationship](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/qazUgx2zlKqF30VCnvRk8tR0JG8=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/what-is-a-cuckold-relationship-5213812-ADD-color-no-txt-76c86f98ba5441aba9c64321fc3dcb53.jpg)
Here's What to Know About Cuckold Relationships
![Happy black young couple kissing in bed](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/fQH820pOk5I6MXbsu6GgKQ2gMtE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1160780318-83b385b287774ef0a1046eb7bc95f6b6.jpg)
What Is Intimate Sex?
![Overhead Shot Of Loving Same Sex Female Couple Lying On Bed At Home Hugging And Kissing Together](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/zOtQcR1LbwqTY4pquqjjHlLTPdk=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1281772218-c43838b8639e4bf9a543566e3a5ba607.jpg)
8 Tips to Get You in the Mood for Sex
![Man is trying to calm his crying girlfriend](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/xls-DzTI8-5ZDMltcMFNSrQCP20=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1062702818-685412ad8d0d4026b572d9929c7d4f2f.jpg)
Why You Might Cry During Sex
![High Angle View Of Couple Lying On Bed At Home](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/_B_QRO5CQHeb8pHbXw2npshpH_k=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1222009512-acfd8580ac48431d8145d484cb0e2bb5.jpg)
How Sexual Chemistry Develops and What It Feels Like
![Woman during a psychotherapy session](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/5r2hZMmmVG5_49sslL-BqTczeh0=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-814596226-f55c9e3f717d4218ac440ed9f36d0932.jpg)
What Is a Sex Therapist?
![Cropped shot of friends spending time together outdoors](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/_Mxz_nOAlN0qIEGtfjRh6lvh7RY=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-9960789221-7aac3566b64e4fc89d9740be73ce0a13.jpg)
What Is Polygamy?
![coping mechanisms for sexual performance anxiety](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/eRAYEAr6wRB4wQFort0hdjxHFFU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sexual-performance-anxiety-symptoms-causes-treatments-5207955_final2-f1d2c5aab9ab45bc8eafcf5ae7e6887c.png)
What Is Sexual Performance Anxiety?
![Full length shot of a handsome young man sitting at the foot of his bed and feeling depressed at home](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/tqiyO80bNbLUklDj5U4PHfVvxpw=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1189299518-aab1a42411544c51aeeb56722affd68f.jpg)
What Is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder?
![Side view of sad woman sitting on floor in bedroom](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/Esb6gWUZwD4aT6Lj5yyhcAdxPI4=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-961027178-549e8cf632b6497eb982ff90c4571e99.jpg)
What Is Sexual Aversion Disorder?
![Sexual attraction](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/g3CtJzi_s7QBBgeFb2zdV6pEuBw=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/what-determines-sexual-attraction-5199585-notext-fc3b767c3d2c4cafb8089026a7147b22.jpg)
What Determines Sexual Attraction, Exactly?
![Sexual fantasies](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/NipPtrwG9qB2eaDbbebG52BXQKI=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/why-you-have-sexual-fantasies-and-when-to-act-on-them-5199459-ADD-COLOR-SOURCE-No-txt-4cf1d8c2bae44ded928c161f65f91c13.png)
Why You Have Sexual Fantasies and What They Mean
![Female arousal disorder](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/59C6MZX8plYR0Uq_7isWGm-BW28=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/what-is-female-sexual-arousal-disorder-5199432_final2-962802e857bb48fbac52247dd7082768.png)
Female Sexual Arousal Disorder: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
![How to cope with sexual frustration](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/c__evCfWEdBR_ACpSQTqU53k0pI=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/how-to-cope-with-sexual-frustration-51994183_final2-61c27e2cec1e4136a9737f78a37ba975.png)
How to Cope With Sexual Frustration
![Shot of a happy young couple sharing a romantic moment in the bedroom at home](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/l2CObrXYu00vBpldtnSJXgj6MDU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1040955442-20e77de67fdf456c87ac6b4803ec1713.jpg)
How to Cope With Sexual Anxiety
![Angry sex](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/EQVyR77sKtUkI5yhinJpIRhGTfA=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/what-is-angry-sex-and-is-it-healthy-5199262-ADD-COLOR-No-txt-FINAL-91a51add29d8414cae06acd84bb5a80a.png)
Angry Sex: Is It Healthy?
![The mid adult woman listens carefully and seriously to her unrecognizable husband as he shares his ideas about their new home.](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/MuHdbZ87YCQKUjp9jgrlnpjFj10=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1178376548-47bc2fb617ed48c794df8202daae86e7.jpg)
How to Respond When Your Partner Experiences Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
![Affectionate young man kissing woman while holding hand in bedroom](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/4VopX87bQHrhO2H8HxbSgHuy9pM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-961566548-46c2221b16334c1bb2cb4b014131525f.jpg)
10 Ways to Increase Libido
![Beautiful young seated skater couple holding hands close](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/ChZ1QUm3VNhTByCFxp5rcUKxVwE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/what-is-sexual-tension-10f8758fa68745df97d43b080a875ffd.jpg)
What Is Sexual Tension?
![Lust vs. love](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/C2-vUEveqrNoipaHu-sxWcQO-74=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/what-is-lust-5189688_color_notext_v1-2d0dff1a8b674eed956f8d0015fae4c5.png)
Signs of Lust in a Relationship
![Couple's feet sticking out from under duvet in bed](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/eUs2fE4Yvoez2elOHVDtzUagm9U=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-11509672851-478196bd51914caf93cc8461a0e6fee7.jpg)
What Is the Impact of Casual Sex on Mental Health?
![Break Up Sex](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/xVg1dXtjk15mJr-frVM-R1aZspM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1221339682-26083cf852524c9683ec6ebbb877851e.jpg)
What Are the Pros and Cons of Breakup Sex?
What Is an Aphrodisiac?
![A woman in handcuffs practicing BDSM](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/v707xpwWc_OfKf418UHo2lo63_4=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bdsm-getty-abb6943b62f9492db8c839856c2bb26e.jpg)
The Potential Benefits of a BDSM Relationship
![A couple hugging playfully in their new home](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/jp74PqUvFA3VPKV--gaXyO4YBi0=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/a-couple-hugging-playfully-in-their-new-home-495164473-5c6c6f7d46e0fb00012d31a4.jpg)
What to Know About Open Relationships and How They Work
![white man and white woman having coffee on a patio](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/Mg9PwlVARpzY19Jiu1Xp4BV5BVk=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wiktor-karkocha-704763-unsplash-5bd74d7846e0fb0026fc7735.jpg)
Types of Casual Relationships
![How much sex do we need](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/Pxy3Y5WenVQ5ASIW7SsAnMg52EI=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/how-much-sex-do-we-need-4057000_V3-1ec94c643d854d598a81f179b74083e1.png)
How Important Are Our Sexual Needs?
![Unhappy young couple getting up from bed](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/w2Bk9xJbc-L5hkSLSTzTY3KNMYE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/unhappy-young-couple-getting-up-from-bed-664663655-5a722750ba61770037bd57a9.jpg)
What to Do If Your Partner Is Not Interested in Sex
![BDSM](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/CjJ_jZqp4bsYPsdZRnDRI8WPO_g=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-health-benefits-of-bdsm-2979720_final2-3e1eb2dca9ac4fa39842f98333a3b1d4.png)
BDSM: More Than Just Sex
![Warning signs of harmful pornography use](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/Rwi7XMPLubiLe05Ere0spwntPzo=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/before-ending-your-marriage-over-porn-2303585_V3-b80abcf4fd8943718ece3e074cedc003.png)
Is Watching Porn Bad for You?
Sexless Marriage Reasons and Remedies
![Man on his laptop in the bedroom](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/X9XZBVlEjahFEWHhAlF4SgetSRY=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/man-on-laptop-56a5ff285f9b58b7d0df6501.jpg)
Is Pornography Destroying Your Marriage?
![Young couple kissing in doorway of balcony, bed in foreground](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/HgYAfJyu_jMFBF0Q4QcKZmbtlzQ=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/young-couple-kissing-in--doorway-of-balcony--bed-in-foreground-2-56d3d5833df78cfb37d4d5b0.jpg)
How Often Do Married Couples Have Sex?
![Lesbian couple relaxing on bed, hugging, laughing](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/GQxFTclCpxaWF1gNC7FaRIdXUzo=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-639554475-80c09aed560c472dabc58bea83bf2b90.jpg)
How to Have a Healthy Married Sex Life
![couple relaxing in the grass](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/if8FgO-dS4msJR7-4j6PAkIzNBE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1126057430-3b6572678f0d412d9accca49f0d3389e.jpg)
How Important Is Sex in a Relationship?
![Affectionate young couple in love dancing at home, having fun](https://www.verywellmind.com/thmb/tDuxCGy8rp8ylfjJHFHnkTp-50Q=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1152597227-f35555c71fbf41e1a1501e8d169a57f8.jpg)
How to Talk About Sex With Your Partner