A specialist has shared some insights for young adults who are facing challenges in their sex lives due to their living arrangements, highlighting a potential ‘private’ venue for some intimate moments.
Everyone has their own favored environment for intimacy with their partner. Many find the bedroom to be the ideal choice due to its comfort and familiarity. Some might enjoy the thrill of the kitchen, the spontaneity of the living room floor, or even the romance of a balcony setting.
According to the International Society of Sexual Medicine, there isn’t a set standard for how frequently couples should engage in sexual activities. However, a 2019 study indicated that the average American couple living together engages in sex about three times a month.
Sadly, Gen Z seems to be the least sexually active generation, potentially due to the increasing cost of housing which leads many to live with their parents for extended periods.
Studies reveal that young individuals are experiencing a shortage of privacy, with 40 percent of participants in a recent Lovehoney survey mentioning that their housing situation affects their sex life.
Due to this ‘frustrating’ situation, many born from 1997 onwards are exploring alternative venues for intimacy, such as their cars.
The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong notes that while car sex isn’t outright illegal in the US, it can lead to legal issues if the acts are deemed indecent or violate public decency regulations.
The Shouse Law Group explains that while public sex is considered an offence, engaging in intimate acts on private property is permissible.
Georgina Vass, a sex and relationships therapist affiliated with Cazoo, has observed that a growing number of young individuals view their car as one of the few private spaces available to them.
Her studies reveal that three in ten Gen Zers have been intimate in their cars within the past year. Nearly half (45 percent) of those surveyed who still reside at home reported difficulty in finding private moments with a partner.
Vass suggests that planning ahead can be crucial for those feeling constrained in their parents’ home.
“If you know certain times when the house will be empty, use them to reduce pressure to always improvise,” Vass explained.
Should you find yourself considering public spaces for intimacy, like your car, it is advised by the expert to begin with an open dialogue.
“Ask each other: Would this feel exciting or would it feel exposed? If either partner feels anxious about being caught or uncomfortable in the space, that tension can override pleasure,” she explained.
“When a car is the best option, preparing it thoughtfully can make the difference between feeling cramped and stressed versus connected and comfortable.”
If car intimacy isn’t appealing but you still need an alternative to your bedroom, consider other options like upscale hotel rooms, privately rented hot tubs, or while on vacation, as suggested by Glamour.