crane@fortune.UUCP (John Crane) (05/01/84)
I would like to add my qualification to the ongoing discussion. Sex may be a necessary ingredient to an ongoing intimate relationship, but it is not sufficient. By this I mean that sex alone does not make for a good relationship, but if the sexual needs of both partners are not met, the realationship may be in trouble. It's like how much money you make. If you don't make enough money, nothing else in the work environment can compensate for that. However, even if the money is good, you can still be dissatisfied and unhappy with other things such as security, advancement opportunity, and having something interesting and challenging to work on. I had a LOT in common with my wife of 13 years. We were VERY good friends. We saw eye to eye on practically everything. We got married and had four children and a very open and uninhibited sex life. However, I wasn't satisfied and sought sexual satisfaction elsewhere. Eventually we broke up and I got a lover. We've been together almost two years. We have a few things in common, but we still enjoy sex. We act like newlyweds both when we're at home and when we're out. Most people con't believe we've been together two years and still find each other attractive, if not fascinating. We allow each other a night out now and then, averaging one per week, but we know where our priorities and loyalties are. I just wanted to add this so people won't think that all lover relationships have to grow to the sad state where they become totally platonic.