Lovers dared to cosy up for Earth Hour

DUREX has dared lovers to cut the technological cord and use that time to reconnect with their partners while the lights are off during Earth Hour on Saturday.

This comes after a recent survey by the condom producer found that British lovers were allowing technology to get in the way of their relationships and sex lives.

The survey, conducted with 2 000 people last month, revealed that 60% of them spent more time using technology in bed than having sex.

One in six respondents said they were guilty of answering the phone or reading a text during sex. More than 5% have even checked Facebook during sex.

Sexpert and therapist Dr Eve said while they were fascinating, the findings revealed shortfalls in modern relationships which lovers needed to address. “Living externally from yourself while you are being intimate with your lover is a bit out of line.”

Nearly a quarter (24.9%) and more than 30% admitted to spending most of their time playing on their phones or tablets and watching television, respectively.

Unless used to spice things up, Dr Eve encouraged couples to make contracts saying they would not bring any devices into bed with them.

Some of the couples she had consulted with over problems between the sheets turned to their phones during session-breaks, she said.

Relationships of more than half of respondents aged between 18 and 24 were more affected by technology, compared to only a quarter of their counterparts aged over 55 years.

Sex and relationship expert Susan Quilliam said though many people found love through dating websites or social media, the feeling of being ousted from relationships in favour of interaction online was worrying.

Durex category manager Bevan Lewis said findings from their 2012 Global Sex Survey showed that 87% of South Africans thought sex was beneficial to their health and wellbeing.

“That’s the reason we are using platforms such as Earth Hour to further encourage partners to be more intimate, physically and emotionally, with the hope that this brings about a more satisfied sex life for all.”

Earth Hour – started in Sydney, Australia in 2007 – is a worldwide movement organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature which encourages people around the world to turn off their lights for one hour to celebrate their commitment to the planet. The global event will be held between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Saturday.

Suggestions for what to do during Earth Hour from City Sightseeing’s website include:

1. Have a potluck picnic with friends by candlelight – ask everyone to bring their favourite snack.

2. Go retro and have a fondue. You get a fantastic cooked meal, no electricity required.

3. Have a good old South African braai.

4. Make Earth hour a family hour – gather the kids around a fire and tell stories while roasting marshmallows.

5. Pull out those board games and have some offline fun by candlelight.

6. Put on your favourite music and dance like nobody is watching.

7. Got kids? Get out the camping gear and tell fantastical stories. 8. View the stars. 9. Spend time with your pets. 10. Give or receive a massage. 11.Take a long, soothing bubble bath by candlelight.

12. Host a Green Party – fire up the solar lights and battery lanterns and serve organic food.