Tenderness... it's what women REALLY want in a relationship

Men who worry about their performance in bed would be better off concentrating on some good old-fashioned understanding.

Women are far more likely to end a relationship because they feel emotionally neglected than because of bad sex, according to a study.

Almost half the women surveyed listed emotional understanding and intimacy as most important in a relationship. Only two per cent put sex first.

And when asked for the most likely reason to end a relationship, 38 per cent listed emotional support as a deal-breaker. Again, two per cent cited sex.

‘Today’s young woman is a refreshing breed of modern traditionalists, holding out for what matters in terms of independence and equality but embracing the infinitely human, age-old need for love and commitment,’ declared Sally Brampton, a psychologist.

‘Eighty-five per cent sensibly believe there’s no such thing as “perfect” when it comes to relationships, but they’re a far more touchy-feely bunch than women 25 years ago, putting emotional understanding and intimacy at the top of the list of requirements.’

The research by Elle magazine, also showed respondents felt more threatened by text flirting and online sex than person-to-person contact.