Can Relationship Survive Without Sex?

• Posted on April 2, 2013
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Can lack of intimacy be the cause for a break-up and how important is sex actually in a mature, adult relationship? Experts break down sex as a factor in keeping the flames of a relationship burning.

Intimacy comes naturally
Psychologist Dr Sharita Shah says, “A physical level of intimacy is only natural and is necessary between a couple, to show a level of comfort and affection. Sexual intimacy is one of the best ways to do it. You may express emotions verbally but nothing says it better than physical intimacy.”

Comfort level
Everyone wants to feel comfortable with their partners, they want that sense of openness and closeness and physical intimacy, says Dr Shah, is the route to that. “Everyone has urges, like hunger urges, sleep urges, even sexual needs are necessary and biological in nature.” There are a small fraction of people who maintain a relationship without sex, adds Dr Shah, saying that it could be because either one or both people in the relationship have their own reservations; or it maybe because of their upbringing or because they want to preserver their virginity till marriage. “According to me, it’s difficult for a relationship to survive without sex and I think sometimes sex comes before love,” she concludes.

Can you live without sex?
How much abstinence can a person show in a relationship? How much does physical intimacy account for in a relationship? Here’s what some iDiva readers had to say:

“Sex is necessary to sustain a relationship. That’s why sex counsellors exist – because they help people with sexual dysfunction. And anyways abstaining from sex is a bit unbelievable, because people who are dating indulge in sex. So I don’t think a serious relationship can survive without sex as it’s a necessity, just like love.” – Hiren Shah, 35, creative animator

“Physical intimacy is one of the most important things in a relationship. In order for a relationship to work, there has to be some sort of physical chemistry between partners.”- Sanketh A, music producer, 24

“Even though love is important, sex is too. A relationship is like a boat, love keeps it from sinking and sex makes the boat rock. Sex adds spice to a relationship and is extremely important as everybody has needs that need to be satisfied.” –Natasha Mcwan, 27, stylist

“Sure can live without sex! But it depends on how long though. If I’m in love, then time would not matter but if I was in a relationship for the heck of it, then the girl has to give me what I want or I’ll be walking to the next girl who can.”- Clovis D’sa, 25, engineer

“For me, it depends on whether the girl is willing to have sex or not. And sex is the only way to know your partner in and out.”-Carlton Mendonca, 23, executive with a broadband company

So it seems that while love forms the bedrock of a relationship, sex plays a big, vital role in keeping it going. But what do you think? Can a relationship survive without sex? Leave is a comment and let us know!

Credit: http://idiva.com