Experts have revealed why so many Gen Z couples are experiencing a particularly 'frustrating' problem with intimacy.
When getting frisky between the sheets with a sexual partner, it's a given that most of us would like to enjoy the intimate moment without any disturbances.
Yet new research has revealed young people are struggling with a unique issue that disproportionately affects their generation - a lack of privacy.
Gen Zers typically have shared living arrangements, like with friends or roommates, or at home with their parents.
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According to Pew Research, the highest share of young people living with parents can be found in California (33 per cent), while at the other end of the spectrum are parts of Texas, Nebraska, New York and Indiana (three per cent).
Now, a study by sexual wellness brand Lovehoney suggests these circumstances are having an adverse impact on the sex lives of young people and is presenting an 'intimacy crisis.'
Not only are they having less sex, by a staggering 49 per cent compared to the average person, but they report a lower quality of sex - with a whopping 40 per cent of respondents saying their living situation directly impacts their bedroom action.
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The majority (more than three-quarters) add that they would not consider bringing a one-night stand home.
Yet that's not to say youngsters are short of creative ideas.
The study found 22 per cent have resorted to having sex in the bathroom, 18 per cent in cars or 28 per cent in rented hotels or Air BnBs.
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Mahima Chaudhary, who lives at home with her mom, brother and partner, says she struggles to share 'proper quality time' with her boyfriend.
The 25-year-old said: "We can’t just cook dinner, watch a film or be silly and dance around in our underwear – all the things that make a relationship feel fun and intimate – because there’s always someone else around."
Even 'holding hands or cuddling feels awkward', Mahima says when in the company of her family.
"It’s only when we go on holiday that we feel like we can properly connect as a couple.”
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Annabelle Knight, Sex and Relationship expert at Lovehoney, has given her top tips for those looking to 'reclaim' their intimacy while living under a shared roof.
"Instead of waiting for the house to go quiet (which makes every squeak feel louder!), look ahead to when parents or flatmates are out," she said.
Secondly, she recommended outright talking about the issue with flatmates, noting a 'bit of honesty can go a long way,' though with parents, Annabelle confessed it's a little 'trickier.'
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"But even setting boundaries around personal space helps," she advised.
If not, she says a hotel trip or a different setting, like in the car, can be a suitable alternative to keep the spark alive.
She added: “At the end of the day, intimacy doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful – it’s about creativity, communication, and making the most of the moments you do have.”
Topics: US News, Sex and Relationships
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