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The first section of this chapter was about relationships; this section is about sexual activity: both intercourse and other kinds of sexual interactions and experiences. We have thought carefully about how to do justice to the reality of sex in what we write. There are, perhaps, other kinds of literature better suited than a book like this to capturing the passion and the pleasure of it, as well as the dangers and disasters. It is important, however, as we start to describe cultural trends and behavioural statistics, not to lose sight completely of what all these words are about.

Facts about sexual behaviour are notoriously difficult to establish securely, since much research relies on people being willing to tell the unvarnished truth about their sexual histories and habits. We have highlighted some research findings in the infographic below, but in general it seems that in recent decades people are having sex with more partners, and starting earlier in life, but that they are not necessarily having more sex. More women are having same-sex sexual experiences. Few people now think that sex before marriage is wrong, but most think that married people should only have sex with their partner.

See Chapter 3 (here–here) for a discussion about marriage and the gift of sex, and Chapter 12 (here-here) for a reflection on the Song of Solomon. For a conversation about sex and relationships see Part Five, Scene 2 (here-here).