{
  "id": 18466601,
  "title": "Are you making love or just doing your partner a favour?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/are-you-making-love-or-just-doing-your-partner-a-favour",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-06T08:11:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/saturday-star/news/2026-11-06-are-you-making-love-or-just-doing-your-partner-a-favour/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "This week, let's discuss the concept of \"duty sex\" - the act of engaging in sexual activity not because you're particularly in the mood, but because it's expected of you. We often use the terms \"sex\" and \"intimacy\" interchangeably, but they are not the same. Sex is a physical act, while intimacy is the emotional connection that makes us feel wanted, understood, safe, and appreciated. Many couples find themselves in a situation where one partner feels pressured to have sex, even when they're not in the mood. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, resentment, and loneliness in the relationship. The source highlights that the issue isn't necessarily the sex itself, but the lack of intimacy. Couples can still have sex frequently and feel lonely, or go through dry spells and still feel deeply connected. The source suggests that we should focus on whether both partners are enjoying the sex they're having, rather than how often they have it. The article encourages open communication about desires, fantasies, and what makes each person feel attracted and appreciated. It also recommends taking a break from intercourse and rediscovering other forms of physical affection, such as kissing, touching, and cuddling. Ultimately, the writer is advocating for a rethinking of what we expect from sex and from each other in a relationship.",
  "summary": "Let's talk about duty sex. Not exactly the sort of phrase that sets the pulse racing nor does it make you want to slip into something a little more comfortable. In fact, it sounds suspiciously like something that should be listed between paying the electricity bill and putting the rubbish out.",
  "key_points": [
    "\"Duty sex\" refers to engaging in sexual activity due to expectation, not desire.",
    "Lack of intimacy, not sex frequency, causes feelings of inadequacy and loneliness.",
    "Focus on mutual enjoyment, not frequency, of sexual activity."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing emotional intimacy over physical frequency shifts the focus from fulfilling obligations to fostering genuine connection, helping couples avoid the resentment that stems from performing sex without desire.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}