Why do we elevate sex to the highest pedestal whenever we discuss relations between men and women?

Is sex the ultimate way you demonstrate affection for another?

Is sex supposed to be shrouded in mystery and intrigue?

You snicker with friends in grade school during conversations about sex - because you know sex is not something nice litle boys and girls talk about. Does this have any bearing on why sex has it's elevated position?

What function is sex supposed to have anyway - I mean beyond begetting children? Does it serve some higher function that justifies it's lofty status?

Before we can solve Dick and Jane's dilemna, and before we can evaluate the trues and falses, I think we have to know why it is that sex is so damn important.