Study reveals 3 physical acts that mean you're in a 'sexually satisfying' relationship

A recently published study has revealed three physical habits that are linked to a sexually-fulfilled relationship.

While every sex life and relationship is different, some studies have spotted trends when it comes to what keeps couples feeling happy and connected in and out of the bedroom. One study of 2,000 mixed-sex couples aged 20 to 39 found that having sex once a week was enough for 86% of people to say they felt sexually satisfied.

Now, a survey focused mostly on LGBTQ+ adults in committed relationships identified three patterns of physical behaviour that tie in to sexual satisfaction.

In August and September 2022, researchers Alyssa N. Clark and Eva S. Lefkowitz surveyed 336 adults in long-term relationships. Relationship durations differed from 6 months to 43 years, but the average relationship length in the study was 6 to 7 years. The average age was 29 years.

The study surveyed 336 adults in long-term relationships. (Eric O'Connell/Getty)

Publishing their results in the published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, the team found that couples engaging in three physical behaviours reported the most satisfaction. These behaviours expressed affection, comfort and intimacy and ranged anywhere from playful interactions to holding hands, cuddling, kissing and even just sitting close together on the couch. As non-verbal expressions of love, these everyday gestures can help couples feel more connected.

Furthermore, the study grouped participants into three categories based on how physically affectionate they were. These were labelled Infrequent Physical Behaviours, Affection-Focused Behaviours, and Comprehensive Physical Behaviours.

Participants in the first group - around 16% - reported low engagement in both sexual and affectionate behaviours, with a moderate amount of kissing and hugging. This group also recorded lower levels of sexual and relationship satisfaction compared to other groups in the survey.

Meanwhile, representing 36% of participants, the Affection-Focused Behaviours group frequently engaged in cuddling and other affectionate behaviours, but reported less sexual activity.

48% of participants reported the highest levels of sexual satisfaction. (Kinga Krzeminska/Getty)

The Comprehensive Physical Behaviours group, which involved 48% of participants, reported the highest levels of sexual satisfaction. Participants in this group also asserted regularly engaging in nearly all types of physical behaviours, both sexual and affectionate.

In short, little but regular physical interaction can go a long way. According to the findings, the more physically affectionate you are with your partner, both in and out of the bedroom, the more likely you are to feel 'happy' in your sex life. That said, the study didn’t draw conclusions about causality, which means it's unclear if being more affectionate leads to better sex or if good sex makes couples more affectionate - or maybe, another factor entirely is at play..