Modern Love Want to have better sex this year? Here’s how.
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Jan 7, 2026 This week features Nicole McNichols, a psychology professor and human sexuality expert at the University of Washington. She discusses how miscommunication can sabotage sexual satisfaction and shares research showing that sexual fulfillment can improve relationship health. Nicole provides tips for better communication, emphasizes the importance of consent and pleasure, and reveals that introducing novelty in the bedroom can reignite passion. She encourages listeners to own their pleasure and regularly check in on their sexual needs for a more satisfying sex life.
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Pleasure Is Central To Well‑Being
- Pleasure is central to wellbeing and creativity, not merely a dessert reward.
- Nicole McNichols argues sex and positive emotions expand problem solving and social support.
Teaching While Exhausted And Pregnant
- Nicole McNichols began teaching while exhausted with two young kids and six months pregnant.
- Her personal struggle with desire influenced her interest in researching better sex.
Sex Often Drives Relationship Satisfaction
- Sexual satisfaction often precedes and predicts relationship satisfaction over time.
- Data show improving sex can raise overall relationship happiness rather than the reverse.
