According to psychotherapist and author M. Gary Neuman, based on a survey of 400 married women, the difference between women who are happy with their marriages and those who are unhappy comes down to the frequency of their sexual encounters, rather than the quality of the sex itself. However, that’s no excuse to let things get stale. Repeating the same five moves is more likely to lead to “headache” nights when you or your partner aren’t interested in just going through the motions, which leads to a slippery slope.

Beat the Bust

Communicate with your partner about how you can spice things up (and sitting down and having a heart-to-heart may not be the best way to go about it, because you could damage an ego when your partner thinks things are going well). Instead, leave flirtatious notes or send a sexy text message during the day, letting your partner know you’re attracted to him or her and in the mood. Try pushing boundaries and making an effort at a quality, romantic evening.

Pressure Your Partner.

Embarrassing moments in bed can make for some of our most priceless stories once the humiliation has worn off. However, pressuring your partner into doing something that they aren’t comfortable with is not funny, and will likely lead to resentment or distance in a relationship. Just like getting stuck in a boring sex rut can damage a relationship, so, too, can pushing a partner to try things that are uncomfortable for them.

Beat the Bust

While trying new and adventurous things in bed can be fun and exciting -- and can lead to you learning quite a few new things about even a longtime partner -- you should always ask how the other person feels about something new, and never, ever pressure them if you sense that they are uncomfortable or unhappy.