I would take issue with the author of this article when she says that 'making love isn't just an extra - it's at the very core of a relationship and an accurate barometer of its strength. It is how couples bond and express their love for each other.' Which in a way to my mind makes a relationship built on sex and making love, a little shallow sounding. What about shared interests, giving each other space, true friendship, a meeting of spiritual minds, a kindred spiritness? Is she saying that without making love/having sex a marriage is less strong, less viable and valuable? We have been celibate for ten years now (married over thirty) and are actually closer than ever. It was a mutual decision made for private reasons, and has made life a lot easier in some respects, less frustrating though that may sound a bit strange. But I resent the implication my marriage is worth less without the sex than someone's with sex.