sex

[parker4u]

 can a marriage work without sex ?

[jamrow36]

no...unless you are much older. Even them there needs to be some intimacy

[CharmedPhoenix]

Maybe, it depends on the people and your definition of "works".

Sex is not necessarily intimacy and intimacy does not require sex.

If the couple are both loving and supportive of each other, but don't engage in sexual relations then it could work.  If they enjoy each other and are happy that may be enough.

[queenofnines]

It depends on how much of a need/want each person in the relationship has for sex. There needs to be a mutual agreement on what the expectations are when it comes to the frequency and type of sex. And if one person is less interested in sex than the other, then the couple needs to agree on acceptable ways to navigate the difference.

[Nancy5]

That's a hard question.  Sex isn't everything in a marriage, actually it's a small part, but it is an important part.  I think if both parties are in agreement and there are other factors, then yes it can work.  I can say sex is not as important as you get older and married longer then when you were first married, but I believe in most cases it is still an important factor.

[djohnson43]

Sex is an important factor but I don't think it is the only factor to a happy marriage. There is others like respect, friendship, understanding etc.

[msmoneybags48]

I believe sex is a monumental part in marriage.  It depends on your sex drive.  If you aren't having sex with Him or her, he will seek it elsewhere.  It depends on the individuals involved.  If you are no longer in love with your spouse, you may feel the way you do for a reason.  I doubt that you are celibate, but you know why you want to know the answer to this question.

I have been there.  Sex in my marriage at the time was not that great, so I would just lay there and wish he would get it over with.  When he commented on it, I spelled it out for him.  He did not like what I said; no man wants to hear that it ends as quick as it starts.  I called him the "90 second" man.

[bloins]

I believe absolutely not. Sex is the ultimate expression of love, and without love you have no marriage. Without love and expressing your love to your mate all you have is a partnership/business agreement which is not a marriage even if some people call it that.

[msmoneybags48]

The one word you left out is trust.  Without trust you have no marriage.  If you don't have love for yourself, you can't have love for him.  Sex is a physical act and, without it, you have a cheater.  It all depends on you.  You must give respect to get respect.  If you are not feeling respected, you will treat your partner bad and, you can do bad all by yourself.

[momoney555]

Yes, because marriage is actually a partnership.  The marriages that last a long time, successfully, are the ones that are solid, strong partnerships and not necessarily the ones that have good sex.  The sexual part fizzles out early in a marriage and unless both partners work at keeping that part of the marriage fresh and new then the marriages built on sex will fizzle out also.  That is where the hard work in marriage comes in.

[mrisha]

You have marriage and then sex.  I haven't known anyone who lives together without having sex.  Sex is a personal intimacy that bring you closer to the person you live with or married. Sex is an expression of that love.  Sex have no age limit as I have read in some of the posts.  I am sure most would be surprise at seniors having sex all the time.  Never make assumptions.

[Beckys0528]

Marriage is not based on sex but I believe to keep the relationship alive there better be some sex involved or both parties will look elsewhere for that satisfaction.

[bloins]

Yes, because marriage is actually a partnership.  The marriages that last a long time, successfully, are the ones that are solid, strong partnerships and not necessarily the ones that have good sex.  The sexual part fizzles out early in a marriage and unless both partners work at keeping that part of the marriage fresh and new then the marriages built on sex will fizzle out also.  That is where the hard work in marriage comes in.

I disagree...If you really love some one I don't believe the sex ever "fizzles out", and I don't believe that the initial attraction never goes away. Although we are not legally married, we have been together for close to 18 years and if anything I believe the sex has gotten better (practice makes perfect). Our relationship is not completely built on sex but sex is a very important part of it. We have three children and sometimes it is hard to find time alone together but when we do we take advantage because sex is the most intimate way that we connect and show our love for each other . If we did not have sex then I believe our relationship might "fizzle out" because we would not have that strong intimate connection. Just my opinion

[Delphyne]

I have known happily married couples who could not engage in sex due to health reasons.  Intimacy does not require intercourse.  There are other ways to be intimate.  Simply caressing each other is a form of intimacy. 

[dreamyxo]

Yes it depends on the couple.  If they both aren't into sex then sure.  There are other things a lot more important in relationships.