Want to have better satisfaction in your relationship? Intimacy is the key. But if you really want to make a difference, then the most important thing you need to do is actually immediately after sex.

Yes, after.

In a recent study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, researchers found that 15 minutes of post-coitus cuddling boosts relationship satisfaction. The duration of post sex affection was associated with higher sexual satisfaction and higher relationship satisfaction.

Surprisingly, in the study where 335 participants were sampled, sex duration and foreplay didn’t predict relationship satisfaction. Instead, researchers found post-sex affection – like cuddling, kissing, caressing, spooning or expressing their love for each other – led to greater sexual and relationship satisfaction.

In general, the pattern of results were consistent for men and women, but the association between the duration of post sex affection and relationship satisfaction was stronger for women than for men and women, but not men, felt more sexually satisfied when their partner reported higher quality post sex affection.

Not a cuddler? For your relationship’s sake, you better start practicing!

 

Journal Source:

Post sex affectionate exchanges promote sexual and relationship satisfaction. Archives of Sexual Behavior. 18 May 2013.