Intimacy & Affection Statistics 2026

is the average sexual frequency for couples

The average couple has sex about once a week (54 times per year), though this varies significantly by age, relationship length, and life circumstances.

times per year for young couples (declines with age)

Younger couples (18-29) average 112 times/year, 30-39 averages 86 times, 40-49 averages 69 times, and 50+ averages 52 times per year.

of couples are in "sexless" relationships

About 15% of married couples haven't had sex in the past 6-12 months, the clinical definition of a sexless marriage.

of couples have mismatched sexual desire

The vast majority of couples experience some level of desire discrepancy, where one partner wants more or less intimacy than the other.

higher relationship satisfaction with regular intimacy

Couples who maintain regular sexual intimacy report 55% higher overall relationship satisfaction compared to those in sexless relationships.

more important: quality vs. frequency of sex

Research shows that sexual quality (satisfaction with encounters) is 3x more predictive of relationship happiness than sexual quantity.

is the "optimal" frequency for happiness

Studies show that having sex once a week is associated with the highest levels of relationship well-being. More frequent sex doesn't significantly increase happiness.

of couples say non-sexual affection is "very important"

The vast majority of couples rate non-sexual physical affection (cuddling, holding hands, kissing) as very important to their relationship.

physical touches per day for happy couples

Happy couples typically share 10 or more non-sexual physical touches daily, from quick hugs to holding hands.

of couples who cuddle daily report high satisfaction

Couples who engage in daily non-sexual physical intimacy like cuddling report significantly higher relationship satisfaction.

kiss recommended to maintain connection

Relationship experts recommend a 6-second kiss when saying goodbye or hello, long enough to create a meaningful connection.

decline in sexual frequency after first year

Sexual frequency typically declines by about 50% after the first year of a relationship, then continues to gradually decline.

drop in sexual frequency after having children

New parents experience an average 33% decline in sexual frequency during the first year after a baby is born.

of couples married 20+ years have sex weekly

About a quarter of long-term married couples still maintain weekly sexual intimacy, showing that passion can endure.