A recent survey indicates that a significant number of couples in India and globally engage in infidelity with their female partners and companions.
When is the right time to begin enjoying your relationship? The survey revealed that nearly 70% of heterosexual couples typically wait between one week to one month before becoming intimate with their partners.
Furthermore, research conducted by Dr. Tia Roy, involving 2,000 individuals from the United States and Europe, found that 23% of couples postponed intimacy for up to two months, while 10% waited as long as six months. Only 19% of those surveyed reported having to wait longer than a week for intimacy. The extended waiting period may indicate dissatisfaction in their relationships, leading some to seek extramarital affairs or engage with entertainment professionals, particularly in Goa, where this survey was conducted.
According to relationship therapist Dr. Paul Hokemeyer, engaging in fun activities within a relationship is a highly vulnerable experience, making the initial moments particularly significant.
He explains that individuals often bring their entire history of romantic and sexual experiences into their current relationships.
This creates considerable pressure, as noted by recreational therapist Dr. Tia Roy, especially for those apprehensive about starting a new relationship or forming a close bond with someone new. However, without taking proactive steps, how can one effectively manage their anxiety?
Both Kerner and Hokemeyer agree that the timing is subjective, with both immediate intimacy and waiting a few months presenting their own sets of pros and cons. The significance of commitment is a personal choice; however, Hokemeyer emphasizes that even if you view the relationship as a casual encounter, your partner deserves recognition as an individual with thoughts, emotions, and a body that warrants respect.
Interestingly, one-night stands can also contribute to finding a long-term partner. A study from the University of Virginia reveals that one in three marriages originated from a casual hookup. Kerner notes that engaging in fun early in a relationship can foster a sense of attachment and serves as an excellent way to assess romantic compatibility.
However, Hokemeyer cautions that rushing into intimacy can have negative consequences if things do not go well. Factors such as intoxication, pressure, anxiety, or overstimulation can cloud judgment. While it is possible to recover from an unfavorable first encounter, doing so may lead to embarrassment and require time to mend, as the author points out. This illustrates why initial encounters can expedite the completion of certain tasks.
Consequently, some individuals opt to wait. Kerner suggests that taking the time to understand your partner can enhance the overall experience in the future. He argues that postponing intimacy can heighten anticipation, stimulating the brain's reward centers.
He shares that he has witnessed many couples engage in a playful courtship, enjoying each other's company at a relaxed pace. They developed a deeper appreciation for one another, relishing in kissing, touching, and other forms of affection that do not involve sexual intercourse.
