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Is Sex Really Mandatory in Marriage?

Mary S. Cooke
4 min readFeb 8, 2025

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True Love Doesn’t Need Sex to Exist

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What Happens When Sex Disappears From Marriage and Nobody Cares?

Society has long perpetuated the idea that a sexless marriage is a failed marriage. We’ve been fed the narrative that physical intimacy is the cornerstone of a successful relationship. But is it really?

After talking with dozens of couples, friends, and readers, I’ve realized that this belief is not only outdated but harmful. It’s time we challenge the myth that love without sex is incomplete.

Why Do We Equate Lack of Sex With Failure?

Think about it: marriage is a lifelong journey, not a sprint. Passion naturally evolves over the years, and that’s okay. The issue isn’t the absence of sex — it’s the guilt and shame we feel for not meeting societal expectations.

Let’s debunk the myth that couples should maintain the same sexual intensity for decades. Yes, some do — and good for them! But that’s not the reality for most people.

Life happens. Between kids, careers, bills, and health issues, sex often takes a backseat. The problem arises when we start seeing this as a flaw rather than a normal phase of a relationship.

Intimacy Without…

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Mary S. Cooke
Mary S. Cooke

Written by Mary S. Cooke

Exploring the art of well-being, the science of intimacy, Health and Relationships and the secrets of financial freedom.

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