A 2023 study found that when it comes to sexual desire and satisfaction, how long it feels it has been since your last sexual encounter appears to matter more than how long it has actually been. This subjective perception of time is called a “time perspective” and plays a significant role in sexual and relational well-being.

“Although people often think about time as objective (“the drive will take us two hours”), it is also subjective (“it feels like we have been driving forever!”)." The researchers explain that, for one person, having engaged in sex seven days ago might feel like a very recent experience; for another, a sexual encounter from seven days ago could feel quite far away.

“After engaging in sex with a partner, sexual satisfaction or sexual afterglow, has been found to remain for 48 hours, which in turn, is associated with greater relationship satisfaction. One reason for this sexual afterglow may be because sex feels closer in time, but this might dissipate as the sexual experience begins to feel further away,” the researchers explain.

The authors discovered that a longer perceived gap since one’s last sexual experience with a partner is associated with lower satisfaction and desire on the day but enhanced sexual desire the next day, likely in anticipation of the next encounter or wanting to improve one’s sex life.

“It is possible that when sex feels closer (versus farther away), people recall the enjoyment of the sexual experience more and rate their sex life as satisfying. Also, when people were more sexually satisfied and had higher sexual desire, they felt like sex was farther away the next day, suggesting that when satisfied and interested in sex, it might feel like sex is harder to wait for” the researchers add.

Based on these insights, researchers suggest that truly savoring sexual experiences could help prolong the “sexual afterglow” by making the last experience feel closer in time.

Here are a few ways to nurture and savor your sexual connection, despite variations in time perspectives.

It’s essential to remember that just like time perspectives, the dynamics of a happy and fulfilling sex life are deeply subjective and unique to each couple. There is no universal standard, timing, or frequency to adhere to.

Instead, explore and discover your rhythm as partners, taking into account how time perspectives on sex may influence you and your relationship. Choose what feels best to you both to navigate your sexual relationship with respect, love, and authenticity.

A version of this article also appears on Forbes.com.