Sex. Lovemaking. Coitus. Fornication. Intimacy. Shall I continue? Surely the internet, and your imagination, have compiled a much longer, less appropriate list of synonyms for everyone’s favorite verb.

Call it what you may, one fact remains: it’s everywhere. Movies, social media, commercials, books, pictures, businesses, lifestyles; you name it and I’m willing to bet sex influences it. Instead of being recognized and respected for its place within the health spectrum, the general influence of sex can be negatively portrayed.

Sexuality is a part of life. Love, affection, intimacy; all are related and combine together to make us who we are. Sex shapes our relationships and plays a major role in sustaining them. Whether you are single, off the market, or married, sex is a vital component to any intimate connection.

No, you aren’t seeing things. I did in fact just use marriage and sex in the same sentence. Instant thought amongst young readers: “ewwww that’s mom and dad!!!” Well…tough love, my friend, sex does not have to suddenly stop after one reaches a certain age.

In fact, it should get better. I mean think about it: as life progresses your realm of general knowledge is bound to increase, and does that exclude sexual know-how? I think not. Regardless of your age, I can guarantee (or would certainly hope) that the sex you are having now is a bit better than your 17 year old performances.

Here are 5 reasons why sex gets better as you get older. (Puns intended everywhere)

1. More Experience.

There’s no other way to put it. Unless you are celibate (how do you do it?!) I’m willing to bet you’ve had at least one additional sexual partner after your “first time”. If that does not apply to you, I’m then willing to bet you’ve had at least one more sexual session, shall I say, since your “first time”. You get better at doing things the more you do them, no? I say practice makes perfect; and what better activity to repeat until you’re satisfied with the outcome.

In the chance that you find yourself aging with the same sexual partner, the next 4 reasons apply to you, with 2 and 3 going hand in hand.

2. Comfort.

Within yourself, within your body, ahem…your partners body, and your relationship in general. As time passes, we could be talking weeks or years here, all of these comfort increases will naturally take place in a sexually happy alliance.

3. Confidence.

Copy and paste #2’s explanation here and add this: after some trial runs you’re bound to gain confidence. As sexual experience with your partner progresses, so will your confidence. It’ll become easier to figure out what the other likes and doesn’t like during sex, and it won’t take long before you know the in’s and out’s of each others bodies.

4. Love.

The longer you are in a committed intimacy, the closer you will feel to that person. Tackling life’s curveballs together is bound to bring a sense of connection that would be hard to find elsewhere. Females and males alike, whether the latter choose to admit it or not, usually report that a bedroom romp with an individual they are in love with is an overall more rewarding experience.

5. Spontaneity.

Last, but certainly not least, is the element of surprise. All kidding aside, entertain this: you live alone with your sexual partner…the house is empty, save for the two of you…think of the possibilities! No kids around = no uninvited interruptions (okay, so we’re addressing the pre-children and empty nesters here) You can literally drop trow and turn up the heat whenever you damn well please. Now that’s what I’m talking about. Sound enticing?

Now I’m not saying that sex is bad when you’re young, and good when you’re old. I’m simply taking a minute to remind those of you who have somehow managed to age past your 18 year old self that nothing actually has to change. Nothing should change. If you remain in a committed relationship where sex is regular, appreciate how you got to that point. Reflect upon the intense level of connection you have achieved together…and do so while you’re naked. You can’t deny that won’t end with a bang.