The Passion Paradox

Sex

When Your Partner Wants to Do It—but You Don't

Amy Muise PhD on April 28, 2015

In long-term relationships, most couples encounter times when one partner wants to have sex, but the other isn't in the mood. New research explores this.

In long-term relationships, most couples encounter times when one partner wants to have sex, but the other isn't in the mood. New research explores this.

Not all sexual experiences have the same impact on relationship and sexual satisfaction. A person's reason for having sex matter. Here we discuss the different reasons why people engage in sex with their partner and how these reasons influence both partner's feelings of desire and satisfaction.

Although in some ways North American is a highly sexualized culture, we rarely hear about real sexual experiences or feel comfortable talking about sex in our everyday conversations.

Sex

Is Sex Allowed to be Important in Romantic Relationships?

Amy Muise PhD on May 10, 2013

In ongoing relationships, romantic partners are bound to have different sexual needs and preferences. Is it controversial to suggest that, at times, a person should prioritize their romantic partner’s sexual needs over their own preferences?

In ongoing relationships, romantic partners are bound to have different sexual needs and preferences. Is it controversial to suggest that, at times, a person should prioritize their romantic partner’s sexual needs over their own preferences?

Relationships

Can Old Love Be New Again?

Amy Muise PhD on February 20, 2013

Although declines in passion are typical over the course of a long-term relationship, this may not be inevitable. Couples can work toward pursuing novel experiences and maintaining excitement in their relationship.

Although declines in passion are typical over the course of a long-term relationship, this may not be inevitable. Couples can work toward pursuing novel experiences and maintaining excitement in their relationship.

Sex

Should You Change Your Sexual Habits for Your Partner?

Amy Muise PhD on January 25, 2013

In romantic relationships partners are bound to have different sexual interests. One partner might like sex in the shower and the other may prefer the bed. At times, changing your sexual habits to a meet a partner's sexual needs is beneficial to the relationship.

In romantic relationships partners are bound to have different sexual interests. One partner might like sex in the shower and the other may prefer the bed. At times, changing your sexual habits to a meet a partner's sexual needs is beneficial to the relationship.

Sex

Let's Talk About Sex ... During Sex

Amy Muise PhD on October 26, 2012

Do you tell your partner what you like and don't like during sex? Sexual communication in the heat of the moment is linked to more sexual satisfaction.

Do you tell your partner what you like and don't like during sex? Sexual communication in the heat of the moment is linked to more sexual satisfaction.

Sex

Are You GGG?

Amy Muise PhD on August 31, 2012

GGG stands for "good, giving, and game," and it's what Dan Savage thinks we should all strive to be as sex partners. Is being GGG beneficial for you and your relationship?

GGG stands for "good, giving, and game," and it's what Dan Savage thinks we should all strive to be as sex partners. Is being GGG beneficial for you and your relationship?

Relationships

What Are People's Perceptions of Open Relationships?

Amy Muise PhD on August 17, 2012

Recently in the media, we are hearing more about open relationships. What are people's perceptions of non-monogamy, and are these perceptions accurate?

Recently in the media, we are hearing more about open relationships. What are people's perceptions of non-monogamy, and are these perceptions accurate?

A vacation provides a break from work or school, a chance to relax and let loose, and the opportunity to explore a new part of the world...but does a vacation also bring more opportunities for sex? Possibly.

One of the questions I frequently get asked as a sex and relationship researcher is how often couples typically engage in sex. How often are most couples having sex and how is it relevant to your relationship?