Quickie: Want to Improve Your Sex Life? Spend More Time Cuddling
Why sexual satisfaction doesn’t end with orgasm

Obviously, we enjoy the actual act of having sex with our partner, and we definitely enjoy having a happy ending. But according to research in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, what we do after orgasm can also contribute to how sexually satisfied we feel.
“When people think of sex, they tend to be focused on intercourse or orgasm,” said sexuality and relationship researcher Amy Muise. “This research suggests that other affectionate aspects of sex are important for sexual and relationship satisfaction.”
Specifically, Muise looked at the amount of time couples spent kissing, cuddling, and engaging in loving talk after they did the deed. During a 21-day survey of 101 couples, participants were asked to spend more than 15 minutes engaging in these post-sex affectionate behaviors and report on how satisfied they felt with their sex lives and relationships. Muise found that when couples spent extra time after sex being affectionate with each other in these ways, they were more likely to have higher levels of sexual and relationship satisfaction — an effect that lasted even when they participated in a follow-up survey three months later. This was particularly true of parents, who used that post-sex affection to bond with each other in ways they generally didn’t have time for.
“It is possible that additional bonding time after sex is even more important for couples who may face challenges finding time for intimate connection.”
“Parents often have less time for sex and romance. Time spent cuddling after sex had a stronger impact on their relationships than it did for nonparents,” Muise said. “It is possible that additional bonding time after sex is even more important for couples who may face challenges finding time for intimate connection.”
Thanks to the intimate connection that can be created through hugging, kissing, and loving talk, Muise suggests that couples make a concerted effort to spend time after sex getting close, rather than just rolling over and going to sleep.
“If you are able, spend those extra moments with your partner. Make time for shared intimacy, such as cuddling, kissing and intimate talk,” she said.
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Source:
Eligh, B. (2014, May 26). For a better sex life, try a little tenderness. University of Toronto Mississauga. https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/main-news/better-sex-life-try-little-tenderness






