Flair

There is no doubt that sex is a vital part of any intimate relationship. This three-letter word represents one of the most essential and challenging aspects of most relationships.

According to Omar,sex makes a relationship better. He told Flair: "sex makes a relationship better, but that should not be what holds your relationship together. Some people argue a lot, but then have a lot of make-up sex. Is that a sign of a healthy relationship?

To me, a healthy relationship is where both parties do what they must to make the other happy because then, you'll both be happy, and everything will fall into place."

For Kacia, sex means: "You are still connected physically and that you enjoy each other. When you are content with just lying next to each other, listening to each other breathe, knowing what he/she is thinking without him/her uttering a word, and being able to really understand what you, your relationship is all about when you do talk."

Men & Women versus sex

Both men and women view sex and its function/role in a relationship differently. For women, it's making love because they feel loved. While for some men, it might just be fulfilling a physical need.

Peter told Flair: "Women seem more amenable to sex when the purpose it serves is to express her love and devotion and keep her man's attention. Men on the other hand seem more amenable to sex when it expresses their physical attraction to, and sexual desire for a woman, but they may be wary of the meaning it offers to the woman."

For Gina, sex is to fulfil a physical need and not necessarily an expression of love. "Sex is naturally to fulfil a physical need. But love can be expressed in so many different ways without sex being involved. Sex is more about taking care of your partner's needs, desires, and many people have sex without being in love with the person they do it with."

She notes that people and society place so much emphasis on sex in a relationship that they forget about communication, honesty and trust. However, "it is almost mandatory for any relationship that will last forever but it should never take priority over communication, honesty, and trust. If a relationship doesn't have all four, I don't see how true happiness can be achieved."

Names changed to protect identity.

What is the purpose of sex in your relationship? Let us know at lifestyle@gleanerjm.com.