A groundbreaking international study challenges conventional beliefs, revealing that cuddling and caressing are more crucial for men than women in sustaining long-term relationships. This study, conducted by the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, analyzed responses from individuals in the United States, Brazil, Germany, Japan, and Spain. Surprisingly, the research demonstrated that men derive greater satisfaction and happiness from their relationships, with frequent kissing and cuddling emerging as reliable indicators of their contentment.
Julia Heiman, the director of the Kinsey Institute, expressed her astonishment at these findings, stating, "I was a little surprised." She also pointed out that some gender stereotypes are rooted in preconceived notions, such as the belief that men prioritize sex while women prioritize emotional intimacy.
The study's subjects comprised over 1,000 couples between the ages of 40 and 70, each in long-term relationships averaging 25 years. Interestingly, the study revealed that women's happiness increased over time, particularly after 15 years of partnership, when their sexual satisfaction also improved. Heiman speculated that changing expectations or life circumstances, such as grown children, could contribute to this phenomenon.
Source: Reuters
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