1.    To connect emotionally, physically and spiritually.
2.    To say, "I love you" in your spouse's love language.
3.    To co-create children.
4.    To have fun.
5.    To fulfill the universal, biological need for touch.
6.    To reduce vulnerability to temptation in marriage.
7.    For the physiological and psychological health benefits.
8.    To rejuvenate the relationship.
9.    For validation.
10.    To become ONE.
11.    To reaffirm that sex is of God.
12.    To soften and open your heart.
13.    To engage in some "wholesome recreational activity" as husband
         and wife.
14.    To switch gears from "parent" to "spouse/sweetheart."
15.    To nurture love and friendship in marriage.
16.    To forgive.
17.    To heal wounds in the relationship.
18.    To give a gift to the one you love.
19.    To burn calories.
20.    To relieve stress.
21.    To enjoy "God's wedding gift to husband and wife."
22.    To cure a headache.
23.    To get to "know" each other (as stated in the Bible).
24.    To practice and perfect the intricate art of lovemaking.
25.    To overcome negative inhibitions and beliefs about sex.
26.    To fulfill your human longing for intimacy and connection.
27.    To awaken, accept and develop your sexual identity.
28.    To awaken your sexual senses.
29.    To learn how to ask for what you want and need.
30.    To learn how to give what your spouse wants and needs.
31.    To experience the "exultant ecstasy" available to every couple.
32.    To develop the "higher faculties and nobler traits" of human existence.
33.    To experience profound joy and intimacy.
34.    To enhance and reinforce marital unity.
35.    ...just because! (My husband made me add this one!)

Several years ago, I attached a small wooden heart to a
Valentine's Day gift bag for my wife. After she opened the
"main gift," I explained what the heart was for. I told her
that I would hide the heart somewhere in the house and
when she found it she should think of me and know that I
loved her!
    Then it was her turn to hide the heart. When I (eventually)
found it, I would think fondly of my sweetheart and how
lucky I am to be married to her. Then it was once again her
turn to do the hiding. And so on.
    Over the years we have become more and more creative
with our "hiding places." Sometimes days or even weeks go
by before one of us finds that heart. There have been several
times when neither of us could remember who hid the heart
last or, for that matter, even where it was hidden. But
eventually, it always turned up.
    We have been hiding that heart for many years now and it
never ceases to bring a smile to our faces when we find it
and remember how lucky we are to have each other.

(1) Low tolerance for the inherent anxiety-producing nature of intimacy
(2) Unresolved conflict in the relationship
(3) Negative sexual conditioning and inhibitions resulting in guilt and
      shame regarding sex