There is an archaic stereotype of relationships that the man is constantly pining for sex while the woman does her best to avoid it.
New research has put more than one nail in that coffin, revealing that men in long term relationships underestimate the sexual desires of their partners.
Psychologists at the University of Toronto and the University of Western Ontario analysed 229 couples aged 18-68 and found that in couples of at least six years in length, men consistently underestimated their female partner’s level of sexual desire.
According to the Mail, researcher Dr Kristen Mark argued: ‘The assumption that women are going to be the lower-desire partner needs to be thrown out.’
The researchers further concluded that men held back in the bedroom they were fearful of rejection, which led the female partner to feel unattractive – creating a vicious cycle.
So if sex is currently off the menu in your long-term relationship, it might be that all that’s needed is a bit of communication.
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