I would not stay in a relationship that lacked sexual intimacy.

Maybe she doesn't find him inviting anymore. Not wanting sex with someone isn't necessarily indicative of a low sex drive.

People have many different ways giving and receiving love. For some people simply saying "I love you" and demonstrating love through random acts of kindness are enough. For many others (myself included) sex is needed in order to truly feel loved.

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.

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.

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...

Sounds like they are trying to look the part so people think of them as good according to their churches standard, I bet they're miserable but simply quit trying or thinking it was possible for them to get what would make them happy and just stay comfortably boring and pent up.

For some folks, sex isn't very important. As for myself l find SEX EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, but thats just me.

I think it depends on the health and vitality of the couple. Some couples lose a lot of that vitality as they get older.

Intimacy is a part of romance and sex between two people in a relationship is usually involved in intimacy it's always sad in a relationship when one person loses their interest in sex and the other person does not

It's important for me. My last romantic relationship fell apart partly because my girlfriend lost sexual interest in me. I can't really comment on your friend, though.

Sex or at least intimacy is really important to me. If we are not making out or sleeping nude or barely clothed every night what's the point.

I can't imagine a romantic relationship without sex.

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 can see religion, physical or mental issues being a reason for a sexless marriage. Outside of that, a sexless marriage would suck! Or lack of sucking, I should say! LOL

For me, I'm extremely affectionate and physical. I don't necessarily have to have sex to be happy in a relationship, but I 100% need touch.
Having said that, sex is important to me. And I'd much rather be in a solid relationship where we are having sex, then one we aren't.

Marital vows aren't vows of chastity.

Everyone is different and every relationship is different. as long as both parties are on the same page and satisfied with the arrangement everything is fine.. it is just sad when there is a serious mismatch in a couple who have different levels of sexual energy and kink. . If you can't have that connection with your mate it is really sad. the church as messed up lots of marriages making sex and love distorted. when we deny our animal side needs it is a vexation of the spirit and will demean the relationship and can bring long term deep seated problems. it's all about compatiblity and openess. the big fear of "sin" has ruined so many unions that could have been happy .

My husband's quadruple bypass ended intercourse for us 13 years before he died. It did not end intimacy or our love for each other. I think it would be very hard to create that love without sex during the beginning of a relationship.

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

I love your description of the husband in the photo!! ? But in answer to your question: a sexless marriage, or even relationship, would not work for me. The intimacy and bonding of sex is in my book as close as two people can get. I can like you from a distance, but when I love you, I want to be part of you. When I say sex, I am not talking about the act of physical intercourse alone, but the sensuality of bodily contact, skin against skin, extended foreplay, tasting, kissing.... OK, gotta stop now, these are all things I have not had in my life for way too long! ?

For most people sex is a part of the relationship. I am aware of a couple who have not had sex with each other, for over 10 years, although they do have sex outside of the relationship. Howevr they re hyappy and i8t seems to work fine for them. Still for most people sex is an important part of the relationship.

It is a requirement for me. But since it's such an important yet secretive part of the human condition, there's so many places where people can develop hangups about it, and the way people react around it is, at least to outside onlookers, quite bizarre and irrational.

But really, you get into a relationship with a person so you can give and get the things that you both need and you can't (easily) give/get elsewhere.

A sexless relationship can be healthy and successful, but only if that VERY closely reflects the needs and the desires of both participants

I can't speak for others but sex would have to be part of a marriage, it may not be the prime factor but it's got to be there and enjoyed on a regular basis by both parties