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The Myths of Sex

Examining human sexuality

Fantasies
How Our Sexual Fantasies Change Throughout Our Lives

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on March 25, 2024

Sexual fantasies are related to several personality traits that rise and fall over the course of our lives. As our personalities evolve, our fantasies seem to co-evolve with them.

Sexual fantasies are related to several personality traits that rise and fall over the course of our lives. As our personalities evolve, our fantasies seem to co-evolve with them.

Marriage
Why an Expensive Ring May Predict a Short Marriage

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on February 22, 2024

Extravagant wedding spending is often viewed as a sign of love and commitment. However, research finds that those who spend the most have the shortest marriages.

Extravagant wedding spending is often viewed as a sign of love and commitment. However, research finds that those who spend the most have the shortest marriages.

Sex
Why What Happens After Sex Is So Important

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on January 26, 2024

Research finds that engaging in post-sex affection, such as cuddling and intimate talk, predicts greater sexual and relationship satisfaction.

Research finds that engaging in post-sex affection, such as cuddling and intimate talk, predicts greater sexual and relationship satisfaction.

Sex
Why Long-Term Partners May Crave Some Sexual Novelty

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on November 22, 2023

Declining sexual interest in a long-term partner and being excited by variety is probably to be expected, rather than a sign that there's something wrong with your relationship.

Declining sexual interest in a long-term partner and being excited by variety is probably to be expected, rather than a sign that there's something wrong with your relationship.

Sex
How Sexual Satisfaction Rises and Falls in a Relationship

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on October 23, 2023

What happens to sexual satisfaction in long-term relationships? There's typically an early increase followed by a steady decrease, but there's a way to stave off the decline.

What happens to sexual satisfaction in long-term relationships? There's typically an early increase followed by a steady decrease, but there's a way to stave off the decline.

Sex
How Couples Cope With Sexless Marriages

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on September 18, 2023

Although sexless marriages are quite common and can be highly distressing, people remain in them for a variety of reasons and cope with the lack of sex in different ways.

Although sexless marriages are quite common and can be highly distressing, people remain in them for a variety of reasons and cope with the lack of sex in different ways.

Infidelity
Does Infidelity Peak After 7 Years of Marriage?

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on August 23, 2023

The seven-year itch isn't an urban legend. Research suggests that rates of infidelity rise in the seventh year of marriage, with a peak in divorces quickly following.

The seven-year itch isn't an urban legend. Research suggests that rates of infidelity rise in the seventh year of marriage, with a peak in divorces quickly following.

Sex
What Happens to Friends With Benefits Over Time?

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on June 22, 2023

Most friends with benefits are short-lived, dissolve, or change form within a year. While staying friends afterward seems to be realistic, finding true love isn't.

Most friends with benefits are short-lived, dissolve, or change form within a year. While staying friends afterward seems to be realistic, finding true love isn't.

Sex
3 Reasons Why Disgust Can Become a Sexual Turn-On

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on February 14, 2023

Disgust is an emotion that usually leads us to avoid something, but it can sometimes be an attractor in the context of sex. There are at least 3 reasons why.

Disgust is an emotion that usually leads us to avoid something, but it can sometimes be an attractor in the context of sex. There are at least 3 reasons why.

Fantasies
Why Animated Porn Is So Popular

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on December 14, 2022

Animated porn appears to be growing in popularity. The genre offers a creative way of meeting deeper psychological needs and expressing taboo sexual interests.

Animated porn appears to be growing in popularity. The genre offers a creative way of meeting deeper psychological needs and expressing taboo sexual interests.

Fantasies
Why Many People Find Historical Romance to Be So Sexy

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on October 21, 2022

Sex scenes set in the distant past are increasingly common and in demand on television today. Their growing popularity reflects several common themes in our sexual fantasies.

Sex scenes set in the distant past are increasingly common and in demand on television today. Their growing popularity reflects several common themes in our sexual fantasies.

Sex
Generation Z Is Missing Out on the Benefits of Sex

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on September 8, 2022

Adults under age 25 are the most stressed and least sexed generation. Is a lack of intimate touch and connection making the Gen Z mental health crisis worse?

Adults under age 25 are the most stressed and least sexed generation. Is a lack of intimate touch and connection making the Gen Z mental health crisis worse?