Discover the logic behind make-up sex

June 28, 2015 7:57 PM

When couples argue, whether it's about who forgot to buy more milk, powerful hormones are released.

Make up sex

Research shows that getting feisty with a lover can help you get frisky in the bedroom.

When couples argue, whether it's about being a southern heiress in love with a poor boy or just about who forgot to buy more milk, powerful hormones are released.

This rush of adrenaline, noradrenaline (a hormone and neurotransmitter), and testosterone triggers a state of extreme arousal, says a new study from the University of Valencia in Spain.

And while at first the arousal of anger may not feel sexy, we're biologically wired to respond to any threat to our relationship, even if it's created by us, relationship psychologist candidate, Samantha Joel explained.

The perception of threat combined with the influence of the hormones on our brains is what takes us from seething with anger to seething with desire.

"This feeling of threat activates the attachment system, a biologically based system that works to keep your important relationships intact," wrote Joel.

"Whenever the attachment system is activated, it motivates you to increase your sense of closeness and security with important others, such as your romantic partner."

Joel adds that sex can be a great way to repair a romantic relationship after it's been threatened.

"Whereas arguing can make you feel distant from your partner, sex can work to restore feelings of intimacy and closeness," she wrote.

But it appears there's a right and wrong way to use that passion.

As anyone who's ever had make-up sex knows, it does work, at least it the heat of the moment. However, the effect is so powerful that Seth Meyers, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, claims that the allure of make-up sex can be as addictive as cocaine and about as good for you.

"The truth is that most make-up sex results from having felt and expressed extreme negative emotions during a heated argument, without any true resolution afterward. Because these individuals get sick of feeling the negative extreme end of the spectrum, they hunger to switch gears and jump to the opposite end of the spectrum, to feel the high that comes with making up," he writes.

Joel agrees that couples shouldn't use post-coital bliss as a band-aid for post-argument anger, but she does offer a great alternative.

"The effect is strongest, meaning that people feel most affectionate and attracted to their partners, when the argument is successfully resolved," she says.

You have to make up with words before you can make up between the sheets.

Plus, in healthy relationships, the communications skills needed to resolve a fight are the same ones you can use to have mind-blowing sex.

We're not saying you should pick a fight just to have amazing sex, but it's not wrong to take advantage of the moment if it happens!

And as long as you're still working through whatever started the fight, it could make your relationship even stronger.

Feel like throwing a tantrum just so you can get frisky later on?

Watch this video for ultimate tips to awesome make-up sex.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!