Cohabitation is defined as living together without being married. It's becoming increasingly popular among couples who want to experience commitment before tying the knot.
Cohabiting can have consequences for sexual frequency that are often ignored. This article explores how cohabitation affects long-term sexual frequency and what you need to know about it.
Sexual frequency refers to how frequently a couple engages in intercourse. Long-term sexual frequency involves couples who live together for an extended time. According to researchers, people who live together tend to have more frequent and enjoyable sex than those who aren't cohabitating. They also report lower levels of stress, higher relationship satisfaction, and better communication skills compared to their non-cohabitant peers.
Research indicates that cohabiting may lead to decreased sexual frequency in the long term. In one study, researchers found that couples who cohabited before marriage reported less sexual activity after getting married. Another study revealed that couples who lived together for 10 years had reduced sexual frequency compared to those who didn't. The reasons for this trend are unclear but could be due to routine, familiarity, or lack of excitement.
What Causes This Change?
One possible reason for decreased sexual frequency in cohabitating couples is familiarity. When two partners spend so much time together, they become accustomed to each other's bodies and habits, which may make them less aroused.
Living together creates new financial responsibilities and daily tasks that reduce time for romance and intimacy. Some experts suggest that cohabitation leads to a decrease in physical attraction between partners over time as well.
Couples who choose not to get married may also experience less emotional investment in their relationship, leading to lower sexual desire. This can occur when there is no clear commitment or future plans for the union, causing partners to feel less invested in maintaining the relationship. In some cases, cohabitants may even view sex as transactional rather than an expression of love and connection.
How Can You Prevent This Trend?
To keep your sex life alive while cohabiting, focus on building trust, communication, and passion within your relationship. Engage in activities that spark arousal outside of the bedroom, such as going out to dinner or taking up a new hobby together. Practice self-care and prioritize alone time to maintain individual interests and desires. Make sure you communicate with your partner about your needs and expectations regarding sex.
Remember that cohabitation doesn't guarantee long-term sexual frequency but requires effort and care to sustain. By focusing on these tips, you can ensure that your sex life remains exciting and satisfying throughout your shared life.
How does cohabitation affect long-term sexual frequency?
Cohabitation refers to a romantic relationship between two people who live together but are not married. Living together can have both positive and negative effects on sexual frequency, depending on various factors such as age, gender, length of relationship, and individual preferences. One study found that couples who lived together for more than six months reported lower levels of sexual satisfaction compared to those who had been living together for less time (Fisher et al. , 2017).