For a better sex life, try a little tenderness

Want a more satisfying sex life and a better relationship with your partner? More post-sex cuddling will do the trick, especially for couples who are parents, according to new research from the University of Toronto Mississauga. UTM sexuality and relationship researcher Amy Muise studied the effects of after-sex behavior in monogamous romantic relationships. She found that what couples do together after sex has a big impact on how they feel about their own sexual satisfaction and their relationship with their partner. "When people think of sex, they tend to be focused on intercourse or orgasm," said Muise. "This research suggests that other affectionate aspects of sex are important for sexual and relationship satisfaction." Muise (pictured right) tested the correlation between post-sex affectionate behaviour (such as kissing, caressing and loving talk) and sexual and relationship satisfaction. The two-part study gathered data from an online survey of 335 individuals, and a 21-day survey of 101 couples. In the online survey, participants reported that they engaged in affectionate behaviour for an average of 15 minutes after sex.