Is sex a "need"?

[Stumpzzz]

It's def important to be intimate. I think it certainly helps if you are in a relationship. Helps you connect on a deeper level.

[A Dream Is A Wish (Old)]

I would be very hesitant to call it a "need."

Once you use the word need, people throw it around in horrible ways. Saying that they raped someone because they "needed" the sex and therefore they are innocent and couldn't control themselves.

I've met guys who got angry at their partners for not having sex with them after major surgeries because they "need" the sex. How cruel!

And I was with a guy for five years who told me I was selfish for wanting a monogamous relationship because he had a "need" to sleep around and I was cruel for not letting him live that "need."

We all have a very strong desire for sex, but you can survive without it. Food you need. Air you need. Water you need. Sex just makes life and relationships better.

Masturbation is a fine alternative when your partner isn't feeling all right or you're single. No matter how strong your desire for sex is, you don't ever "need" it enough to hurt people.

And even if you are married, both people should want the sex. If you're saying you "need" it and are pushing your partner to do things that they are not comfortable doing, then you are abusing them.

And I agree with the rest of what everyone else said.