Can a Relationship Last Without Sex?

Talk Nerdy To Me’s @StaffWriter:

With social taboos and a culture of silence, many people may feel that they are the only ones in a relationship without physical intimacy. In reality, many relationships experience a significant drop in sexual activity at times.

Relationships can actually work without sex for a limited amount of time, but even then it is very difficult. In certain rare circumstances, a relationship can last forever.

Relationships Can Last When You Talk to Each Other

But there has to be an open discussion about why the lack of physical intimacy exists and that might not lead to what most would consider the desired outcome.

Sex is not the only way to express love and commitment. People who are unable to be intimate for any reason may be able to enjoy other physical activities together.

If both partners are comfortable with their relationship, they might find that waiting out the dry spell yields rewards later on. People can wait until they resume intimate activity, after some time has passed if it's important enough to them.

This open discussion will also help determine whether or not the relationship is worth salvaging at all. If one partner is adamant about resuming physical intimacy soon—and the other isn't—it could put a strain on the relationship over time.

Asexual Relationships Can Last

People can be asexual, meaning they generally do not feel sexual attraction to anyone. A person who is asexual may still have relationships with others, however. In this case, there might not even be the option or desire for intimate activity.

In some cases, one partner may become uncomfortable with the lack of physical intimacy and end things—even if their asexual partner truly loves them in other ways.

A Relationship Without Sex Might Expire

The absence of sex in a relationship does not bode well for maintaining it over time. Physical compatibility is very common when people start relationships. So, when that's no longer part of the equation, odds are good that one or both partners will want out.

Couples who are committed to each other but want to avoid physical intimacy can be very happy together and even raise children. But in most cases, they will eventually break up when one partner eventually pursues intimacy again.

Physical Intimacy Build Emotional Connection

One reason relationships often don't last without sex is because of the lack of emotional connection. People who are physical with each other tend to be more open about their feelings, which can help them feel closer.

Sex is often part of how people show affection—and without it, they may not have that connection anymore. Without emotional intimacy, a relationship dies or becomes platonic—depending on the circumstances.

Relationships Without Physical Intimacy Can Stagnate

When one person wants physical intimacy and the other doesn't, all things equal, one partner will eventually break off the relationship because of disparity in what they want for themselves. They will either look elsewhere for someone who meets both their needs or settle for being part of another's life as just friends.

This lack of reciprocation could leave one person feeling unsatisfied. 

Some people might not mind foregoing sex for a limited time, but it would be wise to err on the side of caution.

If one person has shown they care about their partner and relationship, and the other is unwilling to meet them halfway just because it's important—that can lead to resentment that ultimately damages the relationship.

There Might Not Be Physical Attraction at All

Most couples will fight this losing battle if they're unable to agree to disagree as far as physical intimacy goes. Some relationships are destined for failure from the start, or soon after starting.

Most partners won't remain together forever without sexual attraction contributing in some way toward their bond. That's why so many people believe there isn't such thing as a truly platonic relationship.

They may be happy together, but they won't stay happy forever and they'll likely end things if sex isn't an option. After all, people aren't meant to go through life with only one partner at a time.

Long-Term Relationships Often Require Physical Intimacy

Sex is usually a big part of why people date, court, and fall in love with each other. Without that aspect—one or both partners will feel lonely.

These relationships are doomed to fail without it. Some couples may not mind foregoing physical intimacy for a limited time--but it would be wise to err on the side of caution. Of course, everyone wants what they can't have at first—so if two people want to begin their union with no strings attached, there's no reason why they couldn't try it out for a few weeks or months.

However, even if their relationship starts out casual and ends up serious—there will likely come a point where one partner wants more than the other is willing to give.

In a nutshell: One of the partners, or both, will want physical intimacy eventually—and if not now, then eventually. This doesn't mean they have to go outside their relationship to get it.

That could be as simple as engaging in sex toys together or talking about what they'd like from their partner--whether that's just giving them space for a while or having someone to cuddle with before going to bed each night.

Most people know instinctively when a relationship might work out this way or if it won't ultimately go anywhere because one person wants more than the other is willing to give up.

Physical intimacy may not be a requirement for all relationships, but it helps to maintain them and make them stronger over time.

If couples succeed without it, they're rare as snowflakes, but so are people who can be happy as celibates or those who remain single for their entire lives.

Most people want to feel loved and give love back in return and physical intimacy is one of the primary ways that humans show affection.

The Takeaways

A relationship without sexual intimacy is possible for a limited time, but it's hard on everyone involved. Partners need to talk about the situation and make mutual compromises if they hope to make their relationship work long-term.