What are the keys to sexual and relationship satisfaction? It turns out that some of the most popular ideas out there about what makes for a healthy and happy intimate life just aren’t backed up by the science. So let's explore what the data actually say when it comes to cultivating satisfying sex lives and relationships. In this show, we'll answer questions such as whether having more sex will make you happier, whether spontaneous sex is better than planned sex, whether too much closeness inhibits desire, and more.

I am joined once again by Dr. Amy Muise. She is an Assistant Professor and York Research Chair at York University. She is Director of the Sexual Health and Relationship (SHaRe) Lab. She has published 121 articles and book chapters and has been awarded over $2.9 million dollars in research funding.

Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:

Is more sex necessarily better sex?
How do people really feel about spontaneous sex and planned sex? Is sex that happens spontaneously actually better?
What's the link between closeness/intimacy and sexual desire?
There's this idea that women are the barometers of relationship satisfaction in heterosexual relationships ("happy wife, happy life"). Is there any truth to this?
What are the costs and benefits of making sexual compromises in a relationship?

Make sure to check out SHaRe's website and Instagram to stay up-to-date on their work.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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Thank you to our sponsors! 

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Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you'll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today.

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.