When you think of a deliriously happy couple, you might assume they're having sex every waking moment. But according to a new study, it turns out that many satisfied couples spend most nights reading in their pajamas instead.
Researchers at the University of Toronto collected data from surveys of 30,000 Americans over the past 40 years to see if happy couples have more or less sex than unhappy ones. Their results, published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, revealed there's a sweet spot for happy couples everywhere, and that's having sex once a week.
They found that more sex meant more happiness, but there was a limit to the connection, and that was the once a week mark. This was the case regardless of age, gender, or length of a relationship. But this was only for people in relationships; for single people, there was no link between frequency of sex and general happiness.
Why does satisfaction drop off after once a week? It remains unclear, but the study authors write that couples might feel satisfied if they're having the amount of sex they think is "average" for couples like them. Previous studies have found that people tend to report they have sex approximately, yup, once a week, so couples who do it that often probably feel pretty good about themselves.
Overall, the researchers say their results shouldn't be a prescription for more or less sex, but a reason to have a conversation with your partner and see if you're meeting each other's needs in the bedroom.
"Our findings suggest that it's important to maintain an intimate connection with your partner, but you don't need to have sex everyday as long as you're maintaining that connection," researcher Amy Muise said in a statement. "It's important to maintain an intimate connection with your partner without putting too much pressure on engaging in sex as frequently as possible."
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
-
All the Easter Eggs and Name Drops on Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department,' ExplainedDigging through the fan theories so you don't have to.
-
This Week's Best On-Sale Picks Include a Tory Burch Bag and Pretty Silver Ballet FlatsWarm weather is finally here—it's time to dress like it.
-
A Sporty It-Sneaker Era Is About to BeginNike's next Air models are designed for Olympic athletes, but they'll soon be all over street style.
-
30 Female-Friendly Porn Websites for Any MoodAll the best websites, right this way.
-
The 82 Best Cheap Date Ideas for Couples on a Budget"Love don't cost a thing." —J.Lo
-
Diary of a Non-MonogamistRachel Krantz, author of the new book 'Open,' shares the ups and downs of her journey into the world of open relationships.
-
COVID Forced My Polyamorous Marriage to Become MonogamousFor Melanie LaForce, pandemic-induced social distancing guidelines meant she could no longer see men outside of her marriage. But monogamy didn't just change her relationship with her husband—it changed her relationship with herself.
-
COVID UncouplingHow the pandemic has mutated our most personal disunions.
-
16 At-Home Date Ideas When You're Stuck IndoorsStaying in doesn't have to be boring.
-
Long Distance Relationship Gift Ideas for Couples Who've Made It This FarAlexa, play "A Thousand Miles."
-
15 Couples on How 2020 Rocked Their RelationshipCouples confessed to Marie Claire how this year's many multi-stressors tested the limits of their love.
