Is sex and intimacy really important in relationships?

Sex!Isn't it just sex? Yes! It is just sex, no addition nor subtraction yet society has added and subtracted lots in it. I think the whole point of sex in relationships has been clearly misunderstood these days. Sex in relationships can be important but that doesn't mean it is compulsory nor a determining factor in relationships.

 I know very well boys as well as girls sometimes have the mindset that "a no sex relationship" is regarded as a boring relationship. Yes again!Sex has its importance in relationships but we have to remember it also has demerits. There are so many reasons why couples have sex that are not just about the physical pleasure. Often, couples derive an emotional closeness during sex that may be just as important as physical pleasure.

There are countless ways to have this closeness and intimacy that sexuality provides; whether it is co-masturbation, oral sex and other options but the main thing is making sure your partner is comfortable with it. People have different sex drives and your partner might not be as sexual as you are. Sex goes a longer way than fulfilling sexual fantasies but also brings you closer to your partner and reduces the stress in relationships, it shows that you are wanted and loved by your partner.

The word "sex" no doubt constantly comes up in relationships and its unavoidable but if one must have sex it shouldn't be just for physical pleasure. I read a story online about how a man wanted to end his relationship because he wasn't getting enough sex and the whole idea was just absurd to me because that means the only thing he wanted in the relationship was the sex and it shouldn't be that way. Sex is the drive that's needed in a relationship. It re-connects you and puts you in tune with your partner. Everyone thinks about sex even when they are not sexually active but don't let anyone make you feel bad about how high or low your sex drive is.

Some of these things make sex relevant in relationships;
Passion: Relationships need passion,excitement and sexiness. Having sex with your partner keeps the spark alive. It makes the relationship desirable, stimulating, and fun.
Relationships needs passion to work.
keeping the connection alive: sex keeps the connection alive and it helps improve intimacy,trust and its also a way of communicating with your partner and making the connection stronger.
Making your partner happy: sex makes your partner happy no doubt and a happy partner means a happy relationship.
From my own point of view, sex shouldn't determine how happy a relationship should be. Not everyone is big on sex but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be happy in their relationships.

I want to hear from the readers point of view on sex.
Do you think sex should be a determining factor in relationships or can you be in a no sex relationship.