No. It depends on the person.

I'm sick of our culture's obsession with sex.

Depends on the person. I couldn't survive in a sexless relationship.

I think sex is fundamental to any romantic relationship. If it’s not present, the relationship is very likely an accommodation for for mutual benefit.

I think sex is healthy in a relationship and it's usually the women, sometimes the men, who do not want sex. I bet you anything he's got a piece on the side.

For some people, no. Sex is not required for a healthy romantic relationship. I have a few friends that classify themselves as asexual. And I’ve got some friends that for some reason, have no function down there. Due to paralysis or things like that.

But I enjoy sex. But then again, I’ve been single for 2 years now. But even when I was in my last relationship, sex wasn’t super important. It was fun but we only did it about once a month.

As with all things in life, when it comes to human beings, there is no definitive yes or no. It depends on the person.

I suppose it can happen but personally I need to have that intimacy in any relationship I'm lucky enough to be in.

Is a horse a requirement for a pleasant carriage ride?

Maybe a little Pragmatic storge?

I can only speak my own personal experience... I was married 19 years. Divorce was because my infidelity... Me and my wife then were a perfect sexual match... Sex was the last thing to leave and simply because when we decided to get divorce because is what she wanted... I found no point in sex with her anymore. My infidelity was not based on looking for something I couldn't get at home... My infidelity was the way I was... regardless who I had at home... I would had done it anyways because I am an Asshole to many women on earth. I never had a mistress and something I wrote while I was on an unaccompanied tour in another continent was what got me in trouble with her. That's how life turn out sometimes. I always been a Romantic. Always will be. I could have romance without intimacy but... what's the point? Marriage couples can set up all kinds of rules or conditions to continue what they have undisturbed... I am not going to judge them.

I never judge anyone’s sex drive. If they have no sex or sex 3x daily, it’s not a problem unless they consider it a problem. Desire discrepancy is a problem, but even that can be overcome with compromise and motivation. Some couples aren’t motivated to find solutions, so one partner has sex they don’t want to have or the other goes unhappily without.

Love can exist without sex. I know a few couples like this who are devoted to each other. But for me, a sexless romantic relationship didn’t, doesn’t, and won’t ever work. Physical intimacy is the key to the lock that keeps me with someone. Even just a cuddle. The warmth and closeness it provides is invaluable.

There is no Yes or No answer to this. Every couple is different and the only thing that matters is compatibility. The trouble would arise if they were way out of sync with each other in sex drive. Personally, I was never interested in how often other couples had sex, I couldn’t say what too little would be, but you are drawing a lot of conclusions from scant information about the couple you refer to. I know of couples who never have sex due to erectile dysfunction or other problems such as injury, and still manage to have a loving relationship. I have always believed it is essential to really like your partner because over time the initial passion will lessen and then something more like deep affection will take it’s place.

I found a whole lot of men like this on craigslist looking to have sex with other men.

I personally think it is pretty impossible, unless both partners have the same level of non-existant labido. There is always going to be resentment no matter how understanding the other partner may be, being constantly turned down, or constantly bothered for sex wears a person down until they snap....

The old pennies in the jar story is quite true..most cis hetero men lose much of their sexual interest in their bride after two years and the sex frequency drops dramatically.

Then there are people who are on the asexual spectrum. In my case, I'm demisexual, so I do at least feel sexual attraction after a prolonged courtship of over a year. And even then, it's just for one person, and I can take it or leave it.

But when I did indulge, my strong libido and capacity for play and variety intimidated cis hetero men, who seemed to prefer "rabbit love" - as quick as possible, which most cis hetero women seem to prefer..

It depends if both partners are satisfied being sexless. It didn’t work for me. Not only did I want sex and not get it, I received no physical affection (hand holding, hugs, etc).

Relationships are a challenge no matter what the sexual status.
Whatever floats your individual boat !

1. you can not judge a person's sexual apetite and satisfaction by a photo picture. That's incredible assumption.

2. SOME people DON'T LIKE SEX.

3. Sex is not required for a health happy relationship

I don't get the idea of having little or no sex in a marriage or relationship..unless it's absolutely what both parties want.

Without affection sexual bonding etc I think one of the parties will be miserable and frustrated.

One could understand, as I say if it is a mutual decision or if your partner is ill.

I am single so my perspective is second hand. For married folk I talk openly with sex is a very important part of a healthy relationship. For those married with an unwilling/unable partner, there is a lack of full emotional health in their relationship. I am guessing there is a spectrum of need for each person so you will need a large sample group and a metric for defining "satisfying and healthy".

I thought I was asexual for a long time. Turns out I was just tired of my husband. Dissatisfaction turned to loss of sexual interest which resulted in more dissatisfaction. So, while there are people who are genuinely asexual, I would assume most are not and if sex is falling off in a romantic relationship, it's probably an indication that there is an underlying problem and the lack of sex is a symptom...

As a single man who has never been married I can't say for sure... I'm inclined to believe that sex is an integral part of intimacy, although obviously not an absolute essential. I know a great many married couples Who, as in the original post, don't engage often if at all or so they say and seem to be lacking, always slightly unhappy or dissatisfied.

Whether or not there is a connection I'm not sure. It's an interesting question I'm looking forward to reading others thoughts.

Since my wife and I separated, the thing I miss most is having someone to talk to. With that being said, I wouldn’t mind some meaningless banging any time soon.

With deep conversation after, of course.

I believe varying forms of intimacy, over and above sex, is a requirement for a romantic relationship. But I also believe that with intimacy sexual desire often blooms.

No, not at all. I am an affectionate man and I enjoy just snuggling and cuddling. No sex involved or necessary.