41% of Americans Have Lied to Get Out of Sex

This is an exclusive study conducted by DatingAdvice.com, which surveyed respondents over the course of three weeks to reflect an accurate representation of the U.S. population.

“I have a headache.” “I’m tired.” “I have to get up early.” These are some common lies someone may tell when they just aren’t in the mood to do the deed.

And research shows a considerable portion of Americans may actually be using excuses like these.

In a sweeping study conducted by DatingAdvice.com, 41% of Americans said they’ve lied to someone in order to get out of having sex.

Women were found to lie far more frequently, as they were 61% more likely than men to do so.

In fact, female respondents outpaced their male counterparts in every demographic measured.

Dr. Wendy Walsh, clinical psychologist and DatingAdvice.com expert, said while it’s natural for most men to want sex more than women, there is also a common misconception that men are ready to have sex at any time and any place.

“It is unrealistic to think one should always be at the ready for sex on the same schedule as their partner,” she said.

“Women were 61 percent more likely

than men to lie to get out of sex.”

The results found marriage may also be a determining factor. Singles had a 13% lower likelihood of lying to avoid sex than those who were married.

Dr. Walsh said this particular statistic reflects a “trade-off” arrangement that often comes with long-term monogamy.

Age seems to be another indicator, with 49 percent of 35- to 44-years-olds admitting to having lied at least once, while only 34% of 18- to 24-year-olds had done so.

By region, the findings were notably similar except in the West. Midwesterners, Northeasterners and Southerners were 23% more likely to lie to get out of sex than Westerners.

Dr. Walsh said it’s probable the other 59 percent of respondents have also lied about sex but prefer not to say so on a survey.

“The truth is almost everyone feels a tad embarrassed telling a partner they are turned on at any given moment. They may be worried they will hurt their partner’s feelings, or they feel there is something wrong with them for not feeling aroused,” she said. “The answer to these issues is communication instead of lying.”

The study surveyed 1,080 respondents over the course of three weeks, balancing responses by age, gender, income, race, sexuality and other factors in order to accurately represent the U.S. population. The study has a margin of error of +/- 2.8%.

By gender:

• Male: 31%
• Female: 50%

By sexuality:

• Straight: 41%
• Gay: 46%

By marital status:

• Single, Never Married: 38%
• Married: 43%
• Divorced: 46%

By age:

• 18 to 24: 34%
• 25 to 34: 45%
• 35 to 44: 49%
• 45 to 54: 48%
• 54 to 64: 33%
• 65 and older: 31%

By race:

• White: 40%
• African-American: 49%
• Hispanic: 44%
• Asian: 32%

By income:

• Under $25,000: 36%
• $25,000 to $49,999: 45%
• $50,000 to $74,999: 45%
• $75,000 to $99,999: 43%
• $100,000 to $124,999: 37%
• $125,000 or higher: 41%

By region:

• Northeast: 43%
• Midwest: 43%
• South: 42%
• West: 35%

Visit DatingAdvice.com/Studies for more research on dating and relationship topics. Relationship expert Dr. Wendy Walsh is a frequent contributor on CNN and other major networks and is the author of the new book “The 30-Day Love Detox.”