What are the secrets to having a good, long-term relationship that’ll last, even after kids? Communication, trust and respect are key. But having sex regularly may be as important.

Sex is great. It’s good for you, too. Research suggests that having sex regularly increases your affection for your partner. This makes sense; sex is often a communication of love, attraction, desire, and connection. On a purely physical level, sex releases endorphins and oxytocin that help us bond. It’s not just about intimacy and connection, though; sometimes it's just fun or impulsive.

But let’s get real: When the body gets flabbier and looser, and the responsibilities of work and family life pile up, you may be less likely to want to tear your clothes off your partner than you were in those early days (and nights). And sometimes life gets in the way for a bit, and once that big work project has finished, you’ll get back to it. That’s perfectly normal. But many couples live in sexless relationships. According to one study, 15% of couples hadn’t had sex during the previous year, and slightly fewer hadn’t had it for five years.

Is this a problem? For a small minority, no. Some........

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