This is the ideal number of sexual partners you should have

2? 12? 24? Just what is the ideal number of sexual partners?

While we’ve all discussed the topic with our friends, up until now there’s been no definitive answer.

However, new research – published in The Journal of Sex Research – has finally revealed that all-important number. Brace yourself, because it’s a lot lower than any of us expected.

The ‘ideal’ number of lovers for both men and women is three. Yes, just three partners.

Rather ironically, the average number of past sexual encounters surpasses this, with women having 5.81 and 8.4 for men.

If you are searching for a long-term relationship this number dwindles even more. “Both sexes were most willing to get involved with someone who had two past sexual partners and were less willing to get involved with someone who had either fewer or more past partners,” read the study’s notes.

Don’t panic, though. The numbers could be so low because out of the 18 to 35 year olds who took part in the study the average age was only 21.

The research also reveals the answer to a question we’ve all pondered, does our number of previous sexual partners affect our attractiveness? The answer would be yes.

Women are less likely to be attracted to a man whose had more than six sexual partners, while men’s cut-off point is sitting a little higher at 11.

So, although we all have that ‘ideal’ number in our heads when it comes to a prospective partner’s sexual history, does it REALLY matter?

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