Romantic Kiss & Sex

Think that sex is the end-all and be-all of a relationship? You may be in the minority. Emotional closeness tops physical contact, according to a new survey, where six out of 10 people prefer a kiss and a cuddle to sex and say being hugged reduces stress and helps with relaxation.

Seventy-three percent of those surveyed also believe that touch is a natural instinct rather than a conscious decision.

The survey, by contraceptive makers Bayer Schering Pharma, revealed that companionship (38 percent) and commitment (40 percent) rated significantly higher in a relationship than sex (6 percent) and physical contact (9 percent).

However, where they like to be touched differed significantly between men and women.

According to the survey, almost a third of men liked to be touched on their genitals.

More than half of the women questioned preferred their neck and back.

Christine Webber, sex and relationships expert, said: "Our desire for physical contact can be reduced by a wide variety of factors and one that is often overlooked is that a woman may simply be using a contraceptive type or brand that is the wrong choice for her.

"Other factors include being too busy, tired and stressed.

"In 2010, very many women lead such hectic lives that they feel constantly exhausted. As a result, sex drifts down the list of priorities.

"Unfortunately, fatigue is a real enemy of libido. This is very sad because lack of intimacy can endanger any relationship.

"However, when we touch our partners -- and have caring and loving sex -- this boosts the levels in our bodies of a hormone called oxytocin.

"This hormone helps us to feel more bonded to our partner and generates a real sense of well-being.

"Anything we can do to get up close and personal rather more often is likely to make us feel good."

While 98 percent of Brits surveyed believed intimacy plays a vital role in a relationship, it is men who have to take the lead, with nine in 10 women admitting that they do not initiate physical contact and leave it up to their partner.

More than half of those questioned said they thought the rise of social networking had led to less physical interaction.