Is This the Year You Get Back to the Basics of Sex?

"In the past, when we've done these analyses, we've seen couples express an interest in bondage play or sensory play. But this year, we're almost seeing a shift towards getting back to basics. I found it so interesting that regardless of gender, age or where you live, people want more oral sex."

"According to Arya's report, couples are choosing forms of love that are 'low pressure, mutual and connective.' Oral sex is also a form of intimacy that reflects these values, emphasizing connection and mutual pleasure over performance or complexity."

Popular media depictions of passionate kissing in shows like Heated Rivalry and The Summer I Turned Pretty reflect a broader cultural trend toward intimate physical connection. Research from Arya, a relationship wellness platform with 300,000 users, reveals a significant shift in couple preferences. While 2024 saw interest in adventurous practices like bondage and sensory play, 2025 data shows couples overwhelmingly desire more oral sex and kissing. This preference spans across gender, age, and geography. Researchers attribute this shift to couples seeking low-pressure, mutual, and connective forms of intimacy that emphasize closeness over novelty.

Read at InsideHook