Another hundred years before that, about the time this country was founded, the age of consent was 9 or 10 in some places. However, by 1993, the median age of the first marriage was 24.5 for women and 26.5 for men. Between 1970 and 1985, there was a remarkable increase in the number of young people who remained single until 25 or 30. Few young women today expect to be taken care of. Within making love, women enjoyed intercourse the most, but men enjoyed a variety of sexual activity.
Women link love with sex more than men do.
See the later discussion of infidelity and sexual problems. Having the communication skills so you can respectfully negotiate, resolve disagreements fairly, and avoid the bitterness that drives spouses apart. Later we will discuss ways of avoiding the withdrawal, escalating anger, and vile insults that destroy love relationships. Naturally, during 50-60 years of marriage, we go through several stages. These threats of overwhelming love cause fears which result in withdrawal, arguments, and undermining of the love.