Having pre-marital sex early in a relationship may lead to a lower quality marriage for women, a new study shows.
The study, from the USA, also warned that decision-making processes about relationships may be cut short by a “rapid entry into sexual relationships”.
Researchers at Cornell University looked at almost 600 married and cohabiting couples living with children.
Intimacy
The report stated: “Precocious pre-marital sexual activities may have lasting effects on relationship quality.
“Courtship is a time for exploration and decision-making about the relationship, when partners assess compatibility, make commitments and build on emotional and physical intimacy.
“The rapid entry into sexual relationships may, however, cut short this process”.
It also noted: “Good sex is sometimes confused with love” and that “some couples overlook problematic aspects of their relationship that ultimately matter more in the long run”.