Sex in Long-Term Relationships: Why It Takes a Backseat and How to Reignite Passion

After ten to twenty years of life together, sex in a relationship may take a backseat, or in some cases, even disappear. This phenomenon is influenced by several factors, as explained by psychologists and sexologists Natalia Kasarina and Roman Kozachenko. In today's society, where sex is often discussed and depicted in the media, real sexual activity decreases due to the prevalence of the comfort motive. People often prefer to immerse themselves in their comfort zones rather than actively engaging in sex. This is especially noticeable among individuals of a certain age when laziness begins to prevail over the desire for intimacy.

The modern generation is exposed to an overload of information about sex. Access to information about sex has become more accessible compared to previous generations. Psychologists point out that this excess can lead to saturation, where individuals are presented with a plethora of options, causing them to doubt what they truly need. This factor is particularly evident in long-term relationships, where passion may wane, and sex becomes unnaturally regular.

Signals of a relationship crisis can be subtle but significant. One of the first signs is a sense of unease and dissatisfaction, even when everything appears to be fine externally. This can manifest as a desire to stay at work longer or engage in activities outside the family, just to avoid returning home. If these feelings are not discussed with a partner, they can lead to the next stage: conflicts and discontent that accumulate over time.

In the early stages of long-term relationships, passion may fade, giving way to habit. However, this does not mean that it should disappear entirely. Psychologists emphasize the importance of open communication with a partner about desires and needs to rekindle intimate relationships and bring back passion in marriage.