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For most couples, being physically intimate is a natural consequence of loving one another. It isn't an absolute requirement, however, and experts estimate that around 15 percent of couples are In sexless relationships. Being In this kind of relationship in no way means that you and your partner aren't going to make it in the long term, but you should know a few strategies for how to approach the situation.

When no one's really complaining

As with other areas of your life, you might feel compelled to compare yourself to others when It comes to sex to get a sense of whether you're "normal". Others might even tell you that you should be having more or less sex, based on what they have experienced in their own sex lives. But ultimately, it doesn't matter If anyone else Is satisfied with your situation. What matters is that you and your partner both are happy with what you are doing. So the first thing to do Is to have an honest conversation with your partner to make sure they're content and understand your preferences. If neither of you see a problem aside from what other people say, then Just keep on going (or not) like you always have.

Clarify your priorities

Partners today can find it hard to connect physically because they become exhausted from their daily responsibilities, and because conflicting schedules keep them apart. Ask yourself and your partner whether your lifestyle Is contributing to the lack of intimacy, and then consider making some changes that give you more access to and excitement about each other.

Talk about love languages

In his bestselling book The 5 Love Languages, Gary Chapman asserts that people generally express affection In a handful of different ways, including acts of service, quality time, physical touch, words of affirmation and gifts. Some sexless relationships happen simply because both individuals value physical touch lower than the other languages.

But it might be the case that you value physical touch more or less than your partner does. In this case, it's not that you or your partner don't care about each other. Its just that there is a disconnect about what you each really respond to. Look at how you and your partner interact with each other and evaluate whether your partner communicates affection in the other languages well. Then see if your partner is willing to try communicating differently, and figure out some ways to make it a little easier for them to do so. Just remember that these kinds of compromises need to be reciprocal.

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