no more communication in the couple and no less sexual satisfaction
The sex life of 72.9% of Spaniards remains exactly the same as before COVID-19. It has only gotten worse in 15.3% of cases and has improved in 6%. It is one of the conclusions that emerges from the barometer about Social and affective relationships in a pandemic from the CIS (Center for Sociological Research), published this Tuesday. Although 74.1% of those surveyed recognized in the previous CIS on COVID that the pandemic had altered their social habits greatly or considerably, this would not have been transferred to the intimate sphere, whether or not they have a partner.
As for these, 58.4% are very close physically (scoring 8, 9 or 10) and 86.2% emotionally. It should be noted that 70.6% of those surveyed have been together for more than ten years (up to 50) and 93.9% describe themselves as heterosexual. On the other hand, 16.8% do not have a sexual or romantic relationship with anyone.
The coronavirus crisis has not disrupted the couple's communication regarding various issues such as children, housework, the economy or love. Of these, 33.6% believe that it has increased in terms of household chores and 32.8% on joint accounts. Only 19.3% state that they now address more problems related to their own partner.
Regarding generic considerations about sex and the couple, 32.3% agree with being in love with two people at the same time and 68.4% with wanting another person outside the official relationship. On the other hand, 66.2% declare that they can have sexual relations without developing feelings towards the other person. If they started a relationship right now, most would put vitality and charisma before beauty, image, or sex appeal.
This CIS also addresses how much pandemic social media has been used to link or exchange racy content. Between 80% and 90% of those questioned admit that they have not made use of the sexting or erotic messages. 6.5% say they have frequently visited pages of sexual content for adults alone, and 1.6% with their partners. And 13.7% and 6.2%, respectively, acknowledge having attended them at some time. However, the greatest use that has been made of the Internet has been in the friendly or family field.
A good part of the barometer is dedicated to analyzing other non-loving social relationships in pandemic and their link with networks and the Internet. 83% claim to have made calls with friends or family who live in other cities and 60% with those who live in the same. In 41.3% of the cases, this contact was to give or receive advice. Online communication in the couple, on the other hand, is greatly reduced.
In general, none of the respondents consider that the Internet has advantages over the face to face. However, 54.5% recognize that personal interactions with family and friends have decreased during the pandemic in favor of other activities such as dedication to housework, "laying down or cooking" (38.1% more). Finally, 70.8% of Spaniards consider themselves quite happy (scoring from 8 to 10) and 1.3 quite or completely unhappy.
Graphics: Victória Oliveres
