While sexual intimacy is usually something they desire, they have built a relationship that is not subject to the whims of sexual passion. When the relationship is based on little more than idyllic romance and sexual passion, the relationship is almost always doomed from the beginning. As a test for engaged couples, I ask them to momentarily set aside passion and romance. Often young couples will realize how shallow their relationships really are. The reality is that someone can be romantically and sexually attracted to another person whom they don't even like, let alone know.
Sex can never be a successful foundation for marriage.
Latter-day Saint newlyweds may be wise to make a commitment to each other for continued intimacy throughout the marriage. This includes but is not limited to sexual relationships. Such a commitment may be a key factor in staying married during the decades ahead. The above column comes from Dr. Brent A. Barlow's book, Just for Newlyweds . Used with permission from the publisher.