From Psychologies · Nina Parage · · 1m 10s
French couples feel more affection than desire
A 2026 survey reveals what French people really feel for their partners, and how those feelings shift over time.
In brief
A 2026 survey reveals what French people really feel for their partners, and how those feelings shift over time. Affection dominates over desire in long-term relationships, but communication and emotional closeness can help maintain sexual interest. Originally reported by Psychologies.
Affection beats desire in France
73% of French people in relationships feel affection for their partner, while only 55% feel desire. Just 6% feel neither.
Most feel more tenderness than passion
When forced to choose, 51% say they feel mainly affection for their partner. Only 13% feel primarily desire.
Desire is often unbalanced
Only 42% say desire is mutual. 36% desire their partner more than they're desired, while 22% feel more desired than desiring.
Partners still rate highly overall
77% call their current partner the greatest love of their life. 72% say they're their best sexual partner.
Desire drops sharply over time
75% feel desire in relationships lasting 2-4 years. That falls to 50% after 10 years and 45% among those over 65.
Communication protects against decline
A British study of 11,000 people found that couples who feel close and talk easily about sex experience less loss of interest.
The headline
Affection dominates over desire in long-term relationships, but communication and emotional closeness can help maintain sexual interest.
