For generations, society has warned newlyweds about the dreaded seven-year itch or the five-year fizzle or even the 12 year itch. We have been conditioned to believe that marital satisfaction glides smoothly until hitting a mid-decade bump. However, fresh data surrounding modern marriages reveals a completely different reality.

There is a heavy, pervasive myth in our society that once you hit your 40s, settle into a long-term mortgage, and have children, your sex life is officially over. We are told to expect our relationships to become dull and boring, that we must simply tolerate a passionless marriage just to get through the rest of our lives.