Is Romance Dead? Nearly A Third Of Americans Say True Love Is A Thing Of The Past

A growing number of Americans believe traditional romance is fading, with nearly 30% in a recent survey saying real love and romantic gestures no longer hold value.

A new survey of 2,000 adults conducted by Talker Research on behalf of LELO found that 30% believe romance itself is dead, with real love and traditional gestures becoming undervalued in modern relationships. Nearly a quarter of respondents (24%) said they wanted a break from sex altogether, citing reasons including a desire to explore other forms of intimacy, emotional fatigue, or simply wanting to feel closer emotionally rather than physically.

Half of those surveyed have previously taken a prolonged break from sex, averaging around six months. While 53% said the experience made them appreciate sex more, only 11% felt it had the opposite effect. The findings also paint a broader picture of growing contentment with being single: 69% of unattached respondents said they are happy on their own, and just 21% are actively seeking a partner. Instead, 55% said theyd prefer to fall in love with life before falling in love with someone else.

That shift in priorities may stem from past relationship disappointments. Nearly half (49%) said their relationships were strained or ended because of rigid expectations, while 59% of single respondents said they simply dont feel a relationship is what they need right now. Nearly half (47%) believe that relationships too often focus on distant future milestones rather than being rooted in the present.

“Slowing down and taking a break from sex can be a healthy and beneficial approach in various situations, whether for personal growth, relationship issues or addressing specific issues,” said Luka Matutinovic, chief marketing officer at LELO. “A sex break can allow for a reassessment of sexual desires and needs. Moreover, taking a break from the pressure and focus of sex can reset your relationship and facilitate honesty with yourself and each other.”

Though sex remains an important element for many — 54% believe it helps build romantic closeness — the survey reveals a more nuanced view of intimacy. The average respondent said only 37% of intimacy is tied to sex, with 57% instead tied to emotional understanding. More than three-quarters (76%) said they express intimacy through everyday acts: holding hands, sharing kisses, offering compliments, brushing their partners hair, or simply enjoying quiet moments together.

Four times as many respondents preferred emotional intimacy over physical. But while 47% say taking a break from sex is healthy for couples, 44% of those in relationships said theirs wouldn’t last a year without sex.

“Sex and intimacy are distinct, and while they can coexist, they don’t need to be synonymous,” said Matutinovic. “Taking breaks from sex or focusing on other forms of physical intimacy can actually enhance a sex life by reducing pressure and fostering exploration, as well as introducing new additions to your routine, like sex toys, thus bolstering emotional intimacy.”

The findings highlight a shift in values, suggesting that for a growing number of Americans, connection and vulnerability are beginning to eclipse traditional measures of romantic and sexual compatibility.