8 reasons married sex is the best

Married sex tends to (unnecessarily) get a bad rap. But when you think about it—regular amounts of gettin’ it on, the comfort and security of memorizing each other’s bodies, and kicking the pressure to be perfect to the curb—married sex actually rules.

No need to date around in order to find someone who is worthy of having sex with you, and then teach them what you like. You already have that. You married that, honey.

Lucky you.

We talked with the experts to dig into the question: Why is committed sex actually the best sex of your life? Here’s what they had to say.

1. Practice makes perfect.

Dr. Terri Orbuch says committed sex is great because “Your partner knows your likes and dislikes already. And just like other things—practice can make perfect (and you and your partner have been practicing quite a bit!) You and your partner have a history together.”

You know how to navigate these waters.

Studies bear this out too—many have shown that women in long-term relationships have more satisfying sexual experiences than women who only have casual hookups. So yes, it’s your commitment to one another that’s helping you orgasm. ?

Go you.

2. You feel safe + secure.

Committing yourself to your partner, for better or for worse, can give each person a sense of security that you wouldn’t get from dating sex. Your husband isn’t going to have sex with you, then ghost you. You’re both in it for the long haul.

“You feel safe. You can be more vulnerable,” sexologist, sex educator and author Dr. Logan Levkoff says. “There is tremendous trust in a long-term relationship. You can be more intimate.”

And in a trusting relationship like that, you can feel more free to bring up that new move you’ve been wanting to try in bed.

Get it, girl.

3. You can communicate honestly.

Like the wise Salt–N–Pepa said, “Let’s talk about sex, baby.”

There’s less pressure to feel like you have to fake anything or hide anything with your partner. If you’re not feeling your man’s move, you can tell him and switch positions—or try something different, or just stop altogether. You can be honest with one another and communicate your feelings.

In a committed relationship, you can be open and direct with your partner, and expect the same in return.

4. You can be your best sexual self.

Why would “safe” and “comfortable” be bad in terms of sex? Rachel A. Sussman, a licensed psychotherapist and relationship expert, thinks these characteristics are essential, explaining, “I often hear and read that a lot of sex therapists and experts say that one of the reasons it [married sex] can get boring is that this is such a safe person, and that sex with someone brand new can feel dangerous, ergo, very erotic.”

Sussman has a different take:

So basically: Your best. Sex. Now.

Who better to try something new with than with the one you love? And bonus: You can both laugh at yourself if things don’t go as planned. ? Your partner will still be there in the morning.

5. There are fewer rules to follow.

Sex is still special, amazing, and fun with your partner. But let’s be honest: With someone you love and trust as much as your partner, your comfort levels allow for sex initiation to include questions like, “Hey babe, want to have sex after my show’s over?”

After-sex rituals may include scrolling through Snapchat after you’re finished (or umm grabbing a snack #SorryNotSorry). And you don’t feel the need to text your girlfriend “DEAL BREAKER” after being on the receiving end of a quick kiss and roll instead of leisurely post-coital spooning.

6. You can’t beat the convenience.

Sussman says, “It’s always great, when possible, to schedule sex dates. The nice thing about scheduling a sex date is that you know that you’re both putting in an effort to be with each other sexually, and it might take some pressure off of you both.”

Parents of young children don’t have all the time or energy in the world (to say the least), and there’s nothing wrong with fitting in quick romps here and there.

Sussman agrees, “There’s all sorts of ways to make love. Sometimes it can be a long, leisurely thing. But, a lot of times [as parents] it just can’t. And, don’t get hung up on that.”

In fact, quickies can be a total positive for busy couples. Stolen moments, when the kids are occupied or napping, can feel illicit and sexy.

You two still got it. ?

7. There’s no room for drama.

You don’t have to overanalyze everything and anything in your marriage. If one of you aren’t in the mood once in a while, you don’t need to schedule an immediate coffee klatch with the girls to discuss whether your marriage is on the fritz or not.

Or if you haven’t even showered that day. Or if you’re not in cute lingerie. In fact, you’re in (his) sweatpants and (his) t-shirt. You’re still having sex. And everyone’s happy.

8. It’s the whole package. (Pun intended.)

Zach Brittle, LMHC, a certified Gottman therapist specializing in evidence-based couples therapy, explains, “Committed sex is best because it’s actually real. Presumably, it’s part of a total package of intimacy that includes intellectual, and emotional, and even spiritual intimacy. In that way, it’s fuller and richer and ‘better.'”

Go shout it from the mountaintops (or pillowtops).

Committed sex is the best sex there is.