Latest news with #LukaMatutinovic
The Guardian
13 hours ago
- Health
- The Guardian
The sex sabbatical: could taking a break from intimacy improve your life?
Name: The sex break. Age: Perennial. Appearance: Surprisingly frequent. Taking a break to have sex? You mean like at work? This is taking a break from sex. What? Who wants to do that? Er, 24% of American adults, according to a new survey. Why? Reasons vary, from 'wanting to learn other forms of intimacy' to favouring 'emotional closeness over physical connection'. All I'll say to that is: be careful what you wish for, survey respondents. In addition, 52% of the 2,000 adults surveyed said they had previously taken an extended break from sex, lasting six months on average. So? I've managed that – and then some. I think they mean on purpose. Everybody says it was on purpose afterwards. Who commissioned this survey? The sexual wellness brand Lelo. What does 'sexual wellness' mean? They sell vibrators, mainly. Sounds as if they have a vested interest in these survey results. 'Taking breaks from sex or focusing on other forms of physical intimacy can actually enhance a sex life,' says Lelo's chief marketing officer, Luka Matutinovic. Oh yeah? How? 'By reducing pressure and fostering exploration, as well as introducing new additions to your routine, like sex toys …' I knew it. In any case, most of those who had taken a sex sabbatical were very positive about it: 53% said it helped them appreciate sex more. It will tend to do that. But it's not all good news. None of this is good news so far. According to the survey, 30% of Americans believe romance is dead. I'm not surprised – what's the point? Fortunately, 69% of those not in relationships said they were happy being single. Good for them. What about the ones who are in a relationship? Forty-seven per cent of them said it can be healthy for a couple to have a sex break. Oh my word. On the other hand, 44% said their relationship wouldn't last a year without sex. Oh, naive respondents – you might surprise yourselves. Indeed. So if Americans are taking sex breaks and sabbaticals intentionally, does that mean they're having less sex than they used to? The latter assertion seems unquestionable – the percentage of American men and women not having sex has risen by every measure since 1982. That's quite an alarming statistic. Not if you own a vibrator company. Do say: 'Oh look, Newsnight's on.' Don't say: 'Could we try taking a break from taking a break?'
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
The sex sabbatical: could taking a break from intimacy improve your life?
Name: The sex break. Age: Perennial. Appearance: Surprisingly frequent. Taking a break to have sex? You mean like at work? This is taking a break from sex. What? Who wants to do that? Er, 24% of American adults, according to a new survey. Why? Reasons vary, from 'wanting to learn other forms of intimacy' to favouring 'emotional closeness over physical connection'. All I'll say to that is: be careful what you wish for, survey respondents. In addition, 52% of the 2,000 adults surveyed said they had previously taken an extended break from sex, lasting six months on average. So? I've managed that – and then some. I think they mean on purpose. Everybody says it was on purpose afterwards. Who commissioned this survey? The sexual wellness brand Lelo. What does 'sexual wellness' mean? They sell vibrators, mainly. Sounds as if they have a vested interest in these survey results. 'Taking breaks from sex or focusing on other forms of physical intimacy can actually enhance a sex life,' says Lelo's chief marketing officer, Luka Matutinovic. Oh yeah? How? 'By reducing pressure and fostering exploration, as well as introducing new additions to your routine, like sex toys …' I knew it. In any case, most of those who had taken a sex sabbatical were very positive about it: 53% said it helped them appreciate sex more. It will tend to do that. But it's not all good news. None of this is good news so far. According to the survey, 30% of Americans believe romance is dead. I'm not surprised – what's the point? Fortunately, 69% of those not in relationships said they were happy being single. Good for them. What about the ones who are in a relationship? Forty-seven per cent of them said it can be healthy for a couple to have a sex break. Oh my word. On the other hand, 44% said their relationship wouldn't last a year without sex. Oh, naive respondents – you might surprise yourselves. Indeed. So if Americans are taking sex breaks and sabbaticals intentionally, does that mean they're having less sex than they used to? The latter assertion seems unquestionable – the percentage of American men and women not having sex has risen by every measure since 1982. That's quite an alarming statistic. Not if you own a vibrator company. Do say: 'Oh look, Newsnight's on.' Don't say: 'Could we try taking a break from taking a break?'
New York Post
17-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- New York Post
Nearly a quarter of Americans want a break from sex — a new study shows why
A quarter of Americans want a break from sex (24%), according to new research. A survey explored how 2,000 adults are viewing intimacy in today's day and age, finding that some of the reasons they gave for wanting a break being 'to learn other forms of intimacy,' 'give the body and mind a chance to catch up' or because they 'want emotional closeness more.' Advertisement Even beyond their personal goals, nearly a third sadly believe romance is dead (30%), believing that real love and romantic gestures are no longer valued today. These ideas have played a role in half of respondents previously taking an extended break from having sex (52%) for an average of six months. 7 New research revealed that 24% of Americans want a break from sex. Louis Beauchet – Conducted by Talker Research in partnership with LELO, the survey found that of those who took a sex sabbatical, 53% said that it made them miss and appreciate it more, while just 11% said it had the opposite effect on them. Advertisement Many have found themselves enjoying singledom, with 69% of those who aren't in relationships content with being single and only 21% actively looking for a relationship. 7 Most believe that believing that real love and romantic gestures are no longer valued today. SWNY Those who aren't looking for relationships said it's because they are 'very comfortable with [my] life at the moment, ' 'waiting for the right one to come to me' or simply because they are 'satisfied with [my] single life.' With that in mind, 55% of singles would rather fall in love with life than with someone else next. Advertisement Respondents are also looking to be grounded more often, as 47% of single Americans agree that relationships tend to be too focused on the far future instead of the now. It doesn't help that half of those surveyed have been in a relationship that was 'ruined' by expectations for what it 'should' be like (49%). 7 For most people, distance makes the heart grow fonder. SWNY 7 Sadly a third of Americans believe romance is dead. SWNY Advertisement As a result, a majority of singles said that a relationship is not what they need right now (59%). 'Slowing down and taking a break from sex can be a healthy and beneficial approach in various situations, whether for personal growth, relationship issues or addressing specific issues,' said Luka Matutinovic, chief marketing officer at LELO. 'A sex break can allow for a reassessment of sexual desires and needs. Moreover, taking a break from the pressure and focus of sex can reset your relationship and facilitate honesty with yourself and each other.' But sex isn't everything: The average person says that just 37% of intimacy has to do with sex, and 57% instead has to do with understanding each other on a personal level. Wanting more than just physicality, three in four express intimacy to their partner in alternate ways (76%). 7 To some, sex isn't everything. SWNY Some of their favorite ways to do so are 'holding hands,' 'kissing and touching' and appreciating small moments together like 'brushing his hair.' Further, four times the percentage of respondents agree that they'd rather have a partner that meets their emotional intimacy needs than their physical intimacy needs. 7 While 47% believe that taking a break from sex is healthy for couples, 44% of those in relationships said that theirs wouldn't last a year without sex. SWNY Advertisement Still, half of Americans acknowledge that sex is necessary for bringing two people closer romantically (54%). While 47% believe that taking a break from sex is healthy for couples, 44% of those in relationships said that theirs wouldn't last a year without sex. The average person believes that couples should have sex three times a week in order to have a 'healthy sex life.' 7 On average, Americans admit they can't go more than five months without kissing or cuddling, and six months with no sex. SWNY Advertisement And when it comes to themselves, on average, Americans admit they can't go more than five months without kissing or cuddling, and six months with no sex. 'Sex and intimacy are distinct, and while they can coexist, they don't need to be synonymous,' said Matutinovic. 'Taking breaks from sex or focusing on other forms of physical intimacy can actually enhance a sex life by reducing pressure and fostering exploration, as well as introducing new additions to your routine, like sex toys, thus bolstering emotional intimacy.' NON-SEXUAL WAYS RESPONDENTS ARE INTIMATE 'Compliments.' ''Cuddling.' 'Giving them a shoulder massage.' 'Kissing and touching.' 'Having uplifting words and encouragement.' 'Cook for them.' 'Buying gifts.' 'Holding hands.' 'Deep spiritual conversation.' 'Brushing his hair.' Advertisement Survey methodology: Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans; the survey was commissioned by LELO and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between May 23 and May 27, 2025.
Miami Herald
17-06-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Is romance dead? Nearly a third say real love is a thing of the past
A quarter of Americans want a break from sex (24%), according to new research. A survey explored how 2,000 adults are viewing intimacy in today's day and age, finding that some of the reasons they gave for wanting a break being "to learn other forms of intimacy," "give the body and mind a chance to catch up" or because they "want emotional closeness more." Even beyond their personal goals, nearly a third sadly believe romance is dead (30%), believing that real love and romantic gestures are no longer valued today. These ideas have played a role in half of respondents previously taking an extended break from having sex (52%) for an average of six months. Conducted by Talker Research in partnership with LELO, the survey found that of those who took a sex sabbatical, 53% said that it made them miss and appreciate it more, while just 11% said it had the opposite effect on them. Many have found themselves enjoying singledom, with 69% of those who aren't in relationships content with being single and only 21% actively looking for a relationship. Those who aren't looking for relationships said it's because they are "very comfortable with [my] life at the moment, " "waiting for the right one to come to me" or simply because they are "satisfied with [my] single life." With that in mind, 55% of singles would rather fall in love with life than with someone else next. Respondents are also looking to be grounded more often, as 47% of single Americans agree that relationships tend to be too focused on the far future instead of the now. It doesn't help that half of those surveyed have been in a relationship that was "ruined" by expectations for what it "should" be like (49%). As a result, a majority of singles said that a relationship is not what they need right now (59%). "Slowing down and taking a break from sex can be a healthy and beneficial approach in various situations, whether for personal growth, relationship issues or addressing specific issues," said Luka Matutinovic, chief marketing officer at LELO. "A sex break can allow for a reassessment of sexual desires and needs. Moreover, taking a break from the pressure and focus of sex can reset your relationship and facilitate honesty with yourself and each other." But sex isn't everything: The average person says that just 37% of intimacy has to do with sex, and 57% instead has to do with understanding each other on a personal level. Wanting more than just physicality, three in four express intimacy to their partner in alternate ways (76%). Some of their favorite ways to do so are "holding hands," "kissing and touching" and appreciating small moments together like "brushing his hair." Further, four times the percentage of respondents agree that they'd rather have a partner that meets their emotional intimacy needs than their physical intimacy needs. Still, half of Americans acknowledge that sex is necessary for bringing two people closer romantically (54%). While 47% believe that taking a break from sex is healthy for couples, 44% of those in relationships said that theirs wouldn't last a year without sex. The average person believes that couples should have sex three times a week in order to have a "healthy sex life." And when it comes to themselves, on average, Americans admit they can't go more than five months without kissing or cuddling, and six months with no sex. "Sex and intimacy are distinct, and while they can coexist, they don't need to be synonymous," said Matutinovic. "Taking breaks from sex or focusing on other forms of physical intimacy can actually enhance a sex life by reducing pressure and fostering exploration, as well as introducing new additions to your routine, like sex toys, thus bolstering emotional intimacy." NON-SEXUAL WAYS RESPONDENTS ARE INTIMATE "Compliments.""'Cuddling.""Giving them a shoulder massage.""Kissing and touching.""Having uplifting words and encouragement.""Cook for them.""Buying gifts.""Holding hands.""Deep spiritual conversation.""Brushing his hair." Survey methodology: Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans; the survey was commissioned by LELO and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between May 23 and May 27, 2025. We are sourcing from a non-probability frame and the two main sources we use are: Traditional online access panels - where respondents opt-in to take part in online market research for an incentiveProgrammatic - where respondents are online and are given the option to take part in a survey to receive a virtual incentive usually related to the online activity they are engaging in Those who did not fit the specified sample were terminated from the survey. As the survey is fielded, dynamic online sampling is used, adjusting targeting to achieve the quotas specified as part of the sampling plan. Regardless of which sources a respondent came from, they were directed to an Online Survey, where the survey was conducted in English; a link to the questionnaire can be shared upon request. Respondents were awarded points for completing the survey. These points have a small cash-equivalent monetary value. Cells are only reported on for analysis if they have a minimum of 80 respondents, and statistical significance is calculated at the 95% level. Data is not weighted, but quotas and other parameters are put in place to reach the desired sample. Interviews are excluded from the final analysis if they failed quality-checking measures. This includes: Speeders: Respondents who complete the survey in a time that is quicker than one-third of the median length of interview are disqualified as speedersOpen ends: All verbatim responses (full open-ended questions as well as other please specify options) are checked for inappropriate or irrelevant textBots: Captcha is enabled on surveys, which allows the research team to identify and disqualify botsDuplicates: Survey software has "deduping" based on digital fingerprinting, which ensures nobody is allowed to take the survey more than once It is worth noting that this survey was only available to individuals with internet access, and the results may not be generalizable to those without internet access. The post Is romance dead? Nearly a third say real love is a thing of the past appeared first on Talker. Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.
