One of the most common things that happens in long-term relationships is that couples stop touching each other. This sets off a chain reaction which leads to less goodwill towards each other, less connection, and of course, less sex.

Touch is so easy to start overlooking because most of us don’t pay a lot of attention to it to begin with. When we’re in happier places in our relationships, we touch each other without thinking.

We may be able to appreciate a sweet hug or a good shoulder rub, but we don’t go through our days actively considering how much to touch our partner.

This weekend, your Sexperiment is to do just that!

First, choose whether you want to do this Sexperiment with your partner, or if you’d like to give it a go on your own. One interesting aspect of doing it on your own is you can see the reaction your partner has, since he or she won’t know what’s coming.

Then, spend the weekend trying to touch your partner more frequently than you usually do.

Rub her arm as you’re eating dinner. Give his butt a little pat as you pass by him on your way to the living room. Hold hands as you watch a movie. Give each other long hugs when you say hello and goodbye.

You may find it hard to remember to reach out more frequently. If you’ve been in the habit of not touching that often, changing your mindset can be a challenge. If that’s the case for you, try setting a few reminders on your cell phone!

Try to be conscious about how you touch each other too. Don’t just lay your hands on your partner’s body for the sake of touching her more frequently.

Imagine that each time you touch your partner, you’re sending love through your hand into his or her body.

You’re not asking for anything or expecting anything in return. You’re just expressing your love.

At the end of the weekend, take a moment to reflect on what that was like for you. If you decided to do it on your own, tell your partner what you were up to, and ask if he or she noticed anything different.

How did it feel to reach out and make contact more often? Did it help you realize how infrequently you guys are touching each other on a daily basis?

Use this experience as a reminder of the importance of touch, and motivation to reach out to each other more frequently!