>As far as it helps us reach our goals, it is not very productive. Perhaps
>indirectly, yes, by relieving stress or strengthening bonds or what have
>you, but not directly. These things can be achieved in other ways. My point
>is that sex was originally created for procreation, and now that we have
>more than enough people on the planet we really don't need much more of
>that.
I don't know that "bond-strenghtening" between couples can really be achieved without sex, at least not at this point. I know of several relationships that were severely harmed by lack of sexual activity. It turns the relationship into a deep friendship with no romantic component whatsoever, and this overall is not a good thing in a marriage or similar long-term relationship. Once again, future technology may change this, but as it stands I don't know of a substitute. Humans connect sex with emotional intimacy, and that intimacy is what keeps a relationship going.
Jocelyn Brown
jocelynb@mindspring.com