With This Ring, I Thee Dread

by Genevieve

According to CNN, about 20 percent of American couples are in a “sexless” marriage, which therapists define as having sex approximately less than 10 times a year.

While this shouldn’t be surprising information to us, as Americans recently ranked third to last on the lovemaking frequency scale… it still is.

Problems in the bedroom often mirror those outside of it, but sickness, children or simply low sex drive in both partners could also account for this sort of dry spell. The therapists that CNN interviewed stressed that infrequent lovemaking is only a problem if one or both partners think it is.

Broaching the topic can be touchy, but opening the lines of communication is an essential first step. As one marital counselor said, “Sexy lingerie and dinners out are no substitute for an honest conversation about sex.”

If talking face to face isn’t getting the job done, renowned couples therapist Esther Perel suggests opening an e-mail account solely for communication with your mate. Or, you could even write your desires in a love letter, for some additional old school romance.