A woman who never shares a bed with her husband says it makes their relationship stronger and keeps their sex life "passionate and spicy". Miriam Ezagui, 36, is happily married to Aron, 35, and the pair are only intimate during two weeks of the month - in line with their Orthodox Judaism faith.
Following religious practices, when Miriam is on her period, and the week following - known as Niddah - they cannot be sexually active. During this time, it is tradition to not share a bed - however Miriam and Aron take it one step further and sleep in separate beds all year round.
Miriam, from Brooklyn, New York, US, said the decision might surprise some people but works for them - and makes their entire relationship stronger.
The mum-of-four explained: "During the time of Niddah, we can't be physical in any way, so any problems you have can't be solved by a 'kiss and make up'.
"You have to work through issues with words on a deeper level and it is definitely something which enriches the relationship.
"We made the decision because we like our own space, but it has some benefits too.
"Not sharing a bed, even outside of Niddah, makes you so much more sensitive to touch and makes it more special because you don't take it for granted when you can again.
"When you haven't been physical or even touched for two weeks, the sex feels like your wedding night all over again. It keeps things passionate and spicy."
The couple both work intense jobs, with Miriam working as a labour and delivery room nurse while Aron is a paramedic.
They have different shift patterns, sometimes including night shifts, so also have separate beds to avoid waking each other up.
But they found that this made their sex life much better in the two weeks of the month when they are intimate.
Miriam said: "In the time of the month where you are allowed to have sex in Judaism, it's not seen as something we shouldn't enjoy.
"It's considered an extremely holy time and something which can strengthen the relationship."
While outside of Niddah, their decision to remain sleeping separately was more based on practicality, Miriam said it had another positive impact.
"It holds a certain type of specialness," she explained.
A misconception of Orthodox Judaism is that relations outside of baby-making are frowned upon - which Miriam said is not true at all.
"The way Judaism views intercourse is as a positive thing for a couple to engage in, when it's the right time," she added.
"When you can be together, you should - regardless if it's to make a baby or just for pleasure.
"Keeping half the months with no contact, and never sharing a bed, makes the relationship more intimate.
"When you haven't been able to touch for two weeks, it makes everything so much more passionate and spicy when you do.
"It feels new - like our wedding night all over again."
Do you have a story to share? We pay for stories. Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
