They had sex once a month, but lived together for 40 years. What's the secret?
A Harvard study of 3,000 couples found that those who have sex less often but cook together more often are 30% less likely to get divorced.
Why? Neuropsychologist Dr. Stephanie Cacioppo explains: “Shared rituals like cooking stimulate the same areas of the brain as sex.
But without the pressure to “deliver.” Participants in the experiment who cooked together three times a week reported a 25% increase in intimacy ( Journal of Marital Therapy ).
Example: Jack and Lisa from the show Sex vs. Dinner gave up intimacy for a month, replacing it with shared breakfasts.
"By day 20 we were laughing like teenagers and wanting each other again," Jack admitted.
But there is a nuance. Psychologist Emily Nagoski emphasizes: “It is not the abstinence from sex that is important, but the emphasis on quality.
One passionate moment a month is more valuable than ten routine ones."
How to Create “Non-Sexual” Intimacy
Co-sleeping. Even if there is no sex, cuddle for 10 minutes before bed.
Silly rituals: Have pillow fights or dance to old songs.
Plan your dreams. Discuss where you will go in 5 years. This will bring back the feeling of a team.
Shocking data
58% of couples who have sex less than 4 times a month but practice “cuddle therapy” (10 minutes of touch per day) are happier than those who do it daily ( Journal of Marital Therapy ).
