The Beatles got it half right when they sang, "Money can't buy me love." Seems it also can't buy you happiness, at least not compared to the bliss that comes from having sex. According to a survey of 16,000 people, sex, not money, is the gateway to contentment. But that doesn't mean that random hook-ups, multiple partners, or being single amplifies your happiness. The researchers discovered married folks have more sex than single folks (and are happier — 43 percent versus 24 percent), and the number of partners in a year that brings the most happiness is exactly one!

How does sex produce happiness? Well, there's the pleasure of immediate gratification; the stress release from intimacy; the boost in self-esteem that comes from being desired by someone you care about; and, when part of a long-term relationship, the deep pleasure of an enduring connection with another human being.

So we want you and your honey to make time for making love.

• Set a date night with your partner, and stick to it no matter what happens with the kids, your job, or your extended family. Try sharing a dinner, going to a movie, or just hanging out and talking without interruption. You'll be amazed at how gratifying that calendar entry can be.

• Talk to one another about your sexual relationship. Got questions, suggestions, or objections? Share them, resolve them, and then enjoy!

• And tell your partner when you're turned on. Agree on a signal or sign that says: "Hey! Let's get happy!"


© 2012 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.