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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Sexless marriage 😞

63 replies

Frustratedfather89 · 12/11/2024 23:39

Aibu to feel like my marriage is over? We have been together for 17 years, married for 7, 2 kids, both boys aged 5 and 1. There is literally no intimacy in our relationship anymore. We have had sex once in the last 2 years and probably 10 times in the last 5 years total. I'm very much attracted to her, and pay compliments all the time. When I say no intimacy I mean literally nothing from her. No physical contact other than a kiss goodnight (peck) which i instigate everytime. Anytime we have had sex in the last 10 years it's been because I instigated it (actually feel like a pest even trying anymore). I don't want to leave as our family life is good and I don't want to be away from the kids but I'm not sure how much longer I can stick the rejection

OP posts:
OrangeGreens · 13/11/2024 10:41

BeMintBee · 13/11/2024 10:22

I agree and I’m not suggesting to sound harsh. Lots of people will question division of chores, post children hormones etc. but sometimes it’s simply because woman is no longer interested in sex either at all or with her partner. doesn’t sound like she is motivated to change the situation and I don’t think any amount of wooing and taking on the mental load by you will change that.

you may need to consider whether this is how you want to live

Yes. In my opinion when women go off sex with their current partner they (the woman) often experience it as total loss of interest in all sex. And perhaps that is what they tell their partner, really believing it, and the partner believes it too.

But with a new partner their interest in sex returns.

You need to talk to your wife. If she is not menopausal or experiencing significant hormone changes (pregnancy etc) and she seems to have zero sex drive when she had one before, it is almost certainly a problem with how she feels about you.

I know that’s hard to hear, and I wouldn’t like to hear it myself. But only by being realistic is it possible to make an informed decision as to whether you can carry on like this or not.

Good luck to you both in reaching a solution that works for you.

OrangeGreens · 13/11/2024 10:26

People on here will tell you it’s because you’re not doing enough housework or childcare, and maybe it is.

But also, sometimes you just stop fancying someone and don’t want to have sex with them any more. I actually think this is the case more often than not in sexless marriages.

If it’s that, then yes it’s probably unsalvageable. But you are going to have to have some difficult conversations to find out.

BeMintBee · 13/11/2024 10:22

ffsfindmeausername · 13/11/2024 02:10

it's harsh but it sounds like she's gone off you tbh and speaking from experience as a woman once that spark goes it's very difficult to get it back.

I agree and I’m not suggesting to sound harsh. Lots of people will question division of chores, post children hormones etc. but sometimes it’s simply because woman is no longer interested in sex either at all or with her partner. doesn’t sound like she is motivated to change the situation and I don’t think any amount of wooing and taking on the mental load by you will change that.

you may need to consider whether this is how you want to live

thebrowncurlycrown · 13/11/2024 10:20

I more often than not find the reason your spouse, usually always the wife, has lost sexual interest is because she's taking on the load in the household and now she's tired. Likely feeling resentful. You've already suggested she does more and the children depend on her more. Google "single married mum" and decide if what you read could relate to you. You've said you're usually busier but if she is dealing with kids and home she is also very busy and needs help. Do what you can to pull your weight. And when you really can't, look for hired help. Don't ask her, just do it. You may need to do this for awhile without expecting anything sexual in return.

FupaTrooper · 13/11/2024 10:17

bifurCAT · 13/11/2024 09:42

@Shoppedatwoolworths

Has he ever hinted he's upset with the frequency?

I'm pretty sure if you put all this in a list and said his chances would go up (not necessarily be guaranteed!) if he fixed these, most men would jump right on it!

But she shouldn't have to... That's the point.

It's like telling someone you want a birthday card. It's not special if you have to basically boss someone into doing the bare minimum.

And honestly, multiple posts on here from women who's husbands don't even brush their teeth. We are not their mothers and there's nothing more unsexy than having to treat a man like a toddler.

FupaTrooper · 13/11/2024 10:13

I only know one woman in my friend group (30's and early 40's) who doesn't enjoy or want sex. She is asexual and always has been.

The others love sex but some just don't want to do it with their husbands.
The main issues are:

  1. Hygiene. Top of the list.
  2. Touched out from kids and husband thinks he does far more than the reality. She gets no time for self care. He has hobbies.
  3. He has let foreplay slide and got lazy.
  4. He equates intimacy to sex. Cuddles, little kisses, dates, flowers, deep conversations etc are all used as a means to an end rather than her feeling like he sees her as a woman.

Have an honest chat with her, but I do wonder if you are honest with yourself what you could do to rebuild your relationship outside of being parents.

BloodyHellBob · 13/11/2024 10:13

@Shoppedatwoolworths your post really resonated with me (and obviously others!) I am absolutely where you are with my own relationship.

Men seem bewildered that their wives or partners don't want to have sex with them when sometimes they make no effort. I love my DP but his lack of initiative and his inability to make decisions is a turn off. I work hard at keeping fit so I feel better and hopefully will be around for our DS longer but my DP eats badly, refuses to see the need to exercise or lose weight and into the bargain he drinks too much which in itself is unattractive. I just want to be in a relationship with another grown up!

Shoppedatwoolworths · 13/11/2024 10:08

MrNarwhal · 13/11/2024 09:58

I could have written this. My DH is a great dad and a lovely patient man. But I don't want to have sex with him because of various issues that I've spoken to him about, and he says he'll sort but then doesn't. I am married to a man with no drive to improve things so I can't be arsed anymore to pretend to want sex with him 🤷🏻‍♀️

Yes, the no drive to improve things resonated with me. They become complacent, almost as though “we’re married now, sex is an expectation so no effort is required” then we become bored, and they wonder why.

And if I said this to my husband, he would automatically think he’d need to improve the sex and make things spicy and probably start looking at handcuffs or costumes or whatever. But what I really want him to do is improve himself and act like he’s dating me again. Shower (he does this to be fair), dress nice, book a dinner somewhere without asking me “where shall I book” or leaving it to me entirely. Brush your goddam teeth like you used to when we were dating. Stop the creepy sexual comments that make me cringe and my skin crawl. Stop trying to grab my bum when I bend over in front of you (he doesn’t do this anymore as I pointed out this is likened to unwanted sexual harassment)… honestly at this point, if he even used his initiative and actually ask me why we don’t have sex as much anymore, that’s probably be enough to kick start my libido (half jokes)…

Jollyjoy · 13/11/2024 10:08

Shamelessly placemarking to see if the op can see himself in @Shoppedatwoolworths post. Behind many a ‘low libido’ woman lies this story. Many men think their partners should just be attracted by them without them having to act in desirable ways.

MrNarwhal · 13/11/2024 09:58

Shoppedatwoolworths · 13/11/2024 03:11

Was going to name change for this but sod it.

I have been married to DH for 22 yrs. Pretty good marriage, we get on and do things together, however I’ve totally gone off sex. I used to really love sex and was way more adventurous than him. Now my skin crawls when I even think about DTD with him.

He will be wondering why, I expect. He hasn’t asked so I haven’t contributed any reasons or excuses.

For me, these are my reasons.

He brushes his teeth once in a blue moon. I don’t want to kiss him because of his breath. It’s difficult even sleeping in the same bed. He’s the type to take offence and sulk for days so I haven’t directly said to him this is one of the reasons. I’m also not his parent. He’s 46, HE should know to brush his own teeth. Or to go to the dentist.

Sex lasts approximately 30-40 seconds then it’s over. The very second I get into it, it stops. So what’s the point? We’ve spoken about this but for some reason he won’t address this issue with a GP, because let’s face it, it’s not an issue for him. He gets his orgasm and I get wet for nothing. Again, I shouldn’t have to nag an adult to see a doctor. Especially when I don’t even care to have sex. I’ve given up asking him to sort this out. So his selfishness over this is a large contributor to my dwindling libido.

Limited attraction from my end. I guess sometimes this fades over time. He’s a good looking man, just with the teeth issue and other things, the attraction just isn’t there for me anymore.

Uneven distribution of housework. He does very little. I’m naturally the default parent and always have been. He acts like an additional child, which is not sexy for me. Eg, the teeth issue and the premature ejac issue, if I told him to brush teeth, he willingly would. But I’m not his fucking parent. If I booked the dr appointment, he’d go. Again, not my job. I am tired of being the chief decision maker by default despite never signing up for the role. All of that makes me less and less attracted to him. I’m attracted to intelligence and initiative, when that’s gone there’s nothing for me to be attracted to.

He makes zero attempt to woo me into bed. He thinks he can just get it out and I’ll be ready, or he can rub my back for 20 seconds to fire me up so I’ll be raring to go. No dates arranged. No flirting other than some cringy innuendos that remind me of Bruce Fortsythe or worse.

He’s genuinely one of life’s great guys (I know my description hasn’t sold him), he really is though. We are an amazing team and I actually believe if he ever asked me “why?” I would tell him the reasons stated above, but he doesn’t even take the initiative to ask me, so I’m not offering the information. If this was a situation that bothered me then I would sort it, but right now, I don’t care for sex. Libido is low. When it does come, I sort myself out.

But I’m sure he is like many, many men who are perplexed as to why their wives don’t want to sleep with them anymore. I know he finds me attractive. I look and weigh the same as I did when we met in high school and I’ve worked hard to keep my looks and figure. He always touches me and I hate it.

And yes, we can do other things other than sex. He loves to give oral, but sometimes you just want a good shag, don’t you?

Anyway, should he ever be looking on Mumsnet for answers, he may see this response and click. But OP, not sure on your situation, but all I ever see is bewildered men who have no idea why sex has dried up, when they have similar qualities to my DH.

I could have written this. My DH is a great dad and a lovely patient man. But I don't want to have sex with him because of various issues that I've spoken to him about, and he says he'll sort but then doesn't. I am married to a man with no drive to improve things so I can't be arsed anymore to pretend to want sex with him 🤷🏻‍♀️

Shoppedatwoolworths · 13/11/2024 09:51

bifurCAT · 13/11/2024 09:42

@Shoppedatwoolworths

Has he ever hinted he's upset with the frequency?

I'm pretty sure if you put all this in a list and said his chances would go up (not necessarily be guaranteed!) if he fixed these, most men would jump right on it!

Other than skin crawling innuendos or things like him saying “I hope you’re my dessert” after I make him dinner, no. He doesn’t complain. Or ask. Which I’m thankful for because it saves me a job and I’m very happy the way things currently are. If I was unhappy with the situation then I’d definitely pull him up on things, but that’s not the case right now.

Also thanks everyone for reading my post and not jumping at me. I was cautious sharing that but I’m glad I did, it was cathartic. Also to OP, my post was in no way implying you’re doing any of those things my husband does/doesn’t do. Just after many conversations with many friends, we’ve nearly all found ourselves in similar situations with the same mindset. Our men became lazy, in one way or another, thus we became lazy in indulging in sex.

My DH was not like this when we were dating or at the beginning of our marriage, but he’s slowly crept into this. It’s almost as though I’ve gradually taken his mother’s place. And no mum wants to fuck their son. I want a partner, not another child to think about. I wish he could go back to how he was, but alas, here we are…

Icanttakethisanymore · 13/11/2024 09:45

Were things ok until you had kids? We have a 3yo and a 1yo and I’m still breastfeeding which destroys your sex drive for most women. I am attracted to my DP and hope to have a decent sex life again but right now it’s nonexistent. We’re also knackered, all the time.

bifurCAT · 13/11/2024 09:42

@Shoppedatwoolworths

Has he ever hinted he's upset with the frequency?

I'm pretty sure if you put all this in a list and said his chances would go up (not necessarily be guaranteed!) if he fixed these, most men would jump right on it!

Thepeopleversuswork · 13/11/2024 09:36

@Shoppedatwoolworths’s post is very insightful. OP I would ask yourself with ruthless honesty if any of this applies to you.

It’s hard to overstate how much the drudgery of day to day life with children and a job saps your libido in a best case scenario. Most women of her age are permanently knackered and slightly frustrated.

Failure to do the little things which take the edge off that, such as contributing to childcare and domestic work, or basic hygiene, become magnified in a situation like this. The fact you work more than her may be true but that doesn’t offset her resentment.

Throw into the mix a sense of entitlement to sex and an unwillingness to produce a bit of romance or just mental intimacy and you have a recipe for resentment which is deeply unsexy.

It may be possible to turn this around if you are prepared to be very honest with yourself about how well you are meeting her needs. If not and she has just lost interest, you may just have to accept that your marriage is over. Most don’t go on forever. It’s hard when there are children in the mix but you may be happier apart.

cookiebee · 13/11/2024 09:25

I should tread carefully here as I don’t want to offend anyone who may think my input is weird or irrelevant, but it could possibly give op another angle to consider.

Im a guy as well, although a gay one in a long term relationship of over 20 years, I have a couple of aspects to give. Firstly libido does alter over the years, I’ve had periods when I don’t particularly want to be intimate and any moaning or whining just makes my undercarriage smooth over like a Ken Doll. These periods happen and I’ve realised that lots of talking and honesty from both sides is what’s important here, you have to talk and give space if that’s required and if one of you can’t or won’t then of course you have bigger issues. In these periods I’ve had to spell out that I want to hug, but that’s not a green light to more, then that builds up trust and the partner who is having a slump in libido can then feel safe about going further with intimacy when they are in the head space for it.

The other aspect of it, which is why I mentioned being a gay guy in case you all thought I was doing the ‘out of the way, MAN HERE thing!’, which I’m not, just thought my perspective of being with men may help a little, is that from my single days I remember the sheer number of men who had absolutely no clue what sex was about beyond sticking it in! Il try not to be too crude, but we are all adults here. So many guys think that their partner should be just impressed that here is their wonderful appendage and that going in and out then their big finish is enough. Being the penetrative partner can give a very simplistic view to what sex is about and once a guy gets lax with making sure they are doing what their partner needs then there is very little motivation for many wives and partners to want to participate, some guys are not as good at sex as they think they are. What you see in porn films or mainstream movies is nothing like actual sex, it’s for show.

The other aspect which has already been pointed out on here by women with actual experience is that she may be touched out from looking after your children. Children drain you, she’s not doing nothing all day and then ready and waiting with a glowing smile and sexy baby doll nightie, she’s probably worn out looking after both of your children.

But ultimately you need to talk about how she’s feeling, don’t kick the conversation off with ‘why won’t you sit on my wotsit anymore?’, have a few chats about how her life is and what she needs, just check if everything is balanced first, then see, if she does want celibacy after all that, then obviously think of what’s important to you and potentially leaving down the line, good luck anyway.

Theseventhmagpie · 13/11/2024 09:20

Shoppedatwoolworths · 13/11/2024 03:11

Was going to name change for this but sod it.

I have been married to DH for 22 yrs. Pretty good marriage, we get on and do things together, however I’ve totally gone off sex. I used to really love sex and was way more adventurous than him. Now my skin crawls when I even think about DTD with him.

He will be wondering why, I expect. He hasn’t asked so I haven’t contributed any reasons or excuses.

For me, these are my reasons.

He brushes his teeth once in a blue moon. I don’t want to kiss him because of his breath. It’s difficult even sleeping in the same bed. He’s the type to take offence and sulk for days so I haven’t directly said to him this is one of the reasons. I’m also not his parent. He’s 46, HE should know to brush his own teeth. Or to go to the dentist.

Sex lasts approximately 30-40 seconds then it’s over. The very second I get into it, it stops. So what’s the point? We’ve spoken about this but for some reason he won’t address this issue with a GP, because let’s face it, it’s not an issue for him. He gets his orgasm and I get wet for nothing. Again, I shouldn’t have to nag an adult to see a doctor. Especially when I don’t even care to have sex. I’ve given up asking him to sort this out. So his selfishness over this is a large contributor to my dwindling libido.

Limited attraction from my end. I guess sometimes this fades over time. He’s a good looking man, just with the teeth issue and other things, the attraction just isn’t there for me anymore.

Uneven distribution of housework. He does very little. I’m naturally the default parent and always have been. He acts like an additional child, which is not sexy for me. Eg, the teeth issue and the premature ejac issue, if I told him to brush teeth, he willingly would. But I’m not his fucking parent. If I booked the dr appointment, he’d go. Again, not my job. I am tired of being the chief decision maker by default despite never signing up for the role. All of that makes me less and less attracted to him. I’m attracted to intelligence and initiative, when that’s gone there’s nothing for me to be attracted to.

He makes zero attempt to woo me into bed. He thinks he can just get it out and I’ll be ready, or he can rub my back for 20 seconds to fire me up so I’ll be raring to go. No dates arranged. No flirting other than some cringy innuendos that remind me of Bruce Fortsythe or worse.

He’s genuinely one of life’s great guys (I know my description hasn’t sold him), he really is though. We are an amazing team and I actually believe if he ever asked me “why?” I would tell him the reasons stated above, but he doesn’t even take the initiative to ask me, so I’m not offering the information. If this was a situation that bothered me then I would sort it, but right now, I don’t care for sex. Libido is low. When it does come, I sort myself out.

But I’m sure he is like many, many men who are perplexed as to why their wives don’t want to sleep with them anymore. I know he finds me attractive. I look and weigh the same as I did when we met in high school and I’ve worked hard to keep my looks and figure. He always touches me and I hate it.

And yes, we can do other things other than sex. He loves to give oral, but sometimes you just want a good shag, don’t you?

Anyway, should he ever be looking on Mumsnet for answers, he may see this response and click. But OP, not sure on your situation, but all I ever see is bewildered men who have no idea why sex has dried up, when they have similar qualities to my DH.

Excellent post. Thanks for sharing.

DrinkFeckArseBrick · 13/11/2024 09:14

Shoppedatwoolworths · 13/11/2024 03:11

Was going to name change for this but sod it.

I have been married to DH for 22 yrs. Pretty good marriage, we get on and do things together, however I’ve totally gone off sex. I used to really love sex and was way more adventurous than him. Now my skin crawls when I even think about DTD with him.

He will be wondering why, I expect. He hasn’t asked so I haven’t contributed any reasons or excuses.

For me, these are my reasons.

He brushes his teeth once in a blue moon. I don’t want to kiss him because of his breath. It’s difficult even sleeping in the same bed. He’s the type to take offence and sulk for days so I haven’t directly said to him this is one of the reasons. I’m also not his parent. He’s 46, HE should know to brush his own teeth. Or to go to the dentist.

Sex lasts approximately 30-40 seconds then it’s over. The very second I get into it, it stops. So what’s the point? We’ve spoken about this but for some reason he won’t address this issue with a GP, because let’s face it, it’s not an issue for him. He gets his orgasm and I get wet for nothing. Again, I shouldn’t have to nag an adult to see a doctor. Especially when I don’t even care to have sex. I’ve given up asking him to sort this out. So his selfishness over this is a large contributor to my dwindling libido.

Limited attraction from my end. I guess sometimes this fades over time. He’s a good looking man, just with the teeth issue and other things, the attraction just isn’t there for me anymore.

Uneven distribution of housework. He does very little. I’m naturally the default parent and always have been. He acts like an additional child, which is not sexy for me. Eg, the teeth issue and the premature ejac issue, if I told him to brush teeth, he willingly would. But I’m not his fucking parent. If I booked the dr appointment, he’d go. Again, not my job. I am tired of being the chief decision maker by default despite never signing up for the role. All of that makes me less and less attracted to him. I’m attracted to intelligence and initiative, when that’s gone there’s nothing for me to be attracted to.

He makes zero attempt to woo me into bed. He thinks he can just get it out and I’ll be ready, or he can rub my back for 20 seconds to fire me up so I’ll be raring to go. No dates arranged. No flirting other than some cringy innuendos that remind me of Bruce Fortsythe or worse.

He’s genuinely one of life’s great guys (I know my description hasn’t sold him), he really is though. We are an amazing team and I actually believe if he ever asked me “why?” I would tell him the reasons stated above, but he doesn’t even take the initiative to ask me, so I’m not offering the information. If this was a situation that bothered me then I would sort it, but right now, I don’t care for sex. Libido is low. When it does come, I sort myself out.

But I’m sure he is like many, many men who are perplexed as to why their wives don’t want to sleep with them anymore. I know he finds me attractive. I look and weigh the same as I did when we met in high school and I’ve worked hard to keep my looks and figure. He always touches me and I hate it.

And yes, we can do other things other than sex. He loves to give oral, but sometimes you just want a good shag, don’t you?

Anyway, should he ever be looking on Mumsnet for answers, he may see this response and click. But OP, not sure on your situation, but all I ever see is bewildered men who have no idea why sex has dried up, when they have similar qualities to my DH.

If someone who can't master basic personal hygiene, doesn't care that his wife actually gets any pleasure out of sex as long as he does, doesn't do his share of parenting and sulks when his partner tries to discuss any sort of issue is 'one of life's good guys' then I think we are all doomed!

sausagesforteaagain · 13/11/2024 08:53

Shoppedatwoolworths · 13/11/2024 03:11

Was going to name change for this but sod it.

I have been married to DH for 22 yrs. Pretty good marriage, we get on and do things together, however I’ve totally gone off sex. I used to really love sex and was way more adventurous than him. Now my skin crawls when I even think about DTD with him.

He will be wondering why, I expect. He hasn’t asked so I haven’t contributed any reasons or excuses.

For me, these are my reasons.

He brushes his teeth once in a blue moon. I don’t want to kiss him because of his breath. It’s difficult even sleeping in the same bed. He’s the type to take offence and sulk for days so I haven’t directly said to him this is one of the reasons. I’m also not his parent. He’s 46, HE should know to brush his own teeth. Or to go to the dentist.

Sex lasts approximately 30-40 seconds then it’s over. The very second I get into it, it stops. So what’s the point? We’ve spoken about this but for some reason he won’t address this issue with a GP, because let’s face it, it’s not an issue for him. He gets his orgasm and I get wet for nothing. Again, I shouldn’t have to nag an adult to see a doctor. Especially when I don’t even care to have sex. I’ve given up asking him to sort this out. So his selfishness over this is a large contributor to my dwindling libido.

Limited attraction from my end. I guess sometimes this fades over time. He’s a good looking man, just with the teeth issue and other things, the attraction just isn’t there for me anymore.

Uneven distribution of housework. He does very little. I’m naturally the default parent and always have been. He acts like an additional child, which is not sexy for me. Eg, the teeth issue and the premature ejac issue, if I told him to brush teeth, he willingly would. But I’m not his fucking parent. If I booked the dr appointment, he’d go. Again, not my job. I am tired of being the chief decision maker by default despite never signing up for the role. All of that makes me less and less attracted to him. I’m attracted to intelligence and initiative, when that’s gone there’s nothing for me to be attracted to.

He makes zero attempt to woo me into bed. He thinks he can just get it out and I’ll be ready, or he can rub my back for 20 seconds to fire me up so I’ll be raring to go. No dates arranged. No flirting other than some cringy innuendos that remind me of Bruce Fortsythe or worse.

He’s genuinely one of life’s great guys (I know my description hasn’t sold him), he really is though. We are an amazing team and I actually believe if he ever asked me “why?” I would tell him the reasons stated above, but he doesn’t even take the initiative to ask me, so I’m not offering the information. If this was a situation that bothered me then I would sort it, but right now, I don’t care for sex. Libido is low. When it does come, I sort myself out.

But I’m sure he is like many, many men who are perplexed as to why their wives don’t want to sleep with them anymore. I know he finds me attractive. I look and weigh the same as I did when we met in high school and I’ve worked hard to keep my looks and figure. He always touches me and I hate it.

And yes, we can do other things other than sex. He loves to give oral, but sometimes you just want a good shag, don’t you?

Anyway, should he ever be looking on Mumsnet for answers, he may see this response and click. But OP, not sure on your situation, but all I ever see is bewildered men who have no idea why sex has dried up, when they have similar qualities to my DH.

I think we should pin this to the relationships board !!!!!

In contrast My DH and I have lots of sex, he is amazingly competent, a great dad, looks after himself, earns a decent wage, dresses well, has put more effort in as we have aged. He is excellent in the bedroom !

so yeah…. What are you bring to the sex party ?

Mischance · 13/11/2024 08:47

Even if it’s in the house, cook for her, play some old songs, be spontaneous
Sounds great .... but she will know there is an ulterior motive!
This is what makes this problem so hard to solve without talk, talk, talk.

Lawyermommy · 13/11/2024 05:19

i think relationships have their ups and downs. I Think when you have young children it’s very difficult to find that couple time. I remind myself and my husband that this is just a phase and we will have more us time in the future.

i completely relate to your wife, i have two young kids who constantly want me. I feel like I never have a moment for myself…from the moment I wake up it’s all about the kids, work is busy, then household chores, bedtime routines. By the evening, I don’t want to be a wife. I want to be me. I’m so exhausted I go to bed earlier than my husband.

But that doesn’t mean I’m not attracted to him. I miss spending time with him, and most of all I miss me. I miss being sexy and having energy, I feel like my spark has gone!

You mentioned you have a one year old. So your wife will be adjusting to her new body, her new way of life with two kids and sleepless nights. I think you need to give her time, and maybe plan some dates nights. Even if it’s in the house, cook for her, play some old songs, be spontaneous.

Whenyourgonehowcanievengoon · 13/11/2024 05:16

Shoppedatwoolworths · 13/11/2024 03:11

Was going to name change for this but sod it.

I have been married to DH for 22 yrs. Pretty good marriage, we get on and do things together, however I’ve totally gone off sex. I used to really love sex and was way more adventurous than him. Now my skin crawls when I even think about DTD with him.

He will be wondering why, I expect. He hasn’t asked so I haven’t contributed any reasons or excuses.

For me, these are my reasons.

He brushes his teeth once in a blue moon. I don’t want to kiss him because of his breath. It’s difficult even sleeping in the same bed. He’s the type to take offence and sulk for days so I haven’t directly said to him this is one of the reasons. I’m also not his parent. He’s 46, HE should know to brush his own teeth. Or to go to the dentist.

Sex lasts approximately 30-40 seconds then it’s over. The very second I get into it, it stops. So what’s the point? We’ve spoken about this but for some reason he won’t address this issue with a GP, because let’s face it, it’s not an issue for him. He gets his orgasm and I get wet for nothing. Again, I shouldn’t have to nag an adult to see a doctor. Especially when I don’t even care to have sex. I’ve given up asking him to sort this out. So his selfishness over this is a large contributor to my dwindling libido.

Limited attraction from my end. I guess sometimes this fades over time. He’s a good looking man, just with the teeth issue and other things, the attraction just isn’t there for me anymore.

Uneven distribution of housework. He does very little. I’m naturally the default parent and always have been. He acts like an additional child, which is not sexy for me. Eg, the teeth issue and the premature ejac issue, if I told him to brush teeth, he willingly would. But I’m not his fucking parent. If I booked the dr appointment, he’d go. Again, not my job. I am tired of being the chief decision maker by default despite never signing up for the role. All of that makes me less and less attracted to him. I’m attracted to intelligence and initiative, when that’s gone there’s nothing for me to be attracted to.

He makes zero attempt to woo me into bed. He thinks he can just get it out and I’ll be ready, or he can rub my back for 20 seconds to fire me up so I’ll be raring to go. No dates arranged. No flirting other than some cringy innuendos that remind me of Bruce Fortsythe or worse.

He’s genuinely one of life’s great guys (I know my description hasn’t sold him), he really is though. We are an amazing team and I actually believe if he ever asked me “why?” I would tell him the reasons stated above, but he doesn’t even take the initiative to ask me, so I’m not offering the information. If this was a situation that bothered me then I would sort it, but right now, I don’t care for sex. Libido is low. When it does come, I sort myself out.

But I’m sure he is like many, many men who are perplexed as to why their wives don’t want to sleep with them anymore. I know he finds me attractive. I look and weigh the same as I did when we met in high school and I’ve worked hard to keep my looks and figure. He always touches me and I hate it.

And yes, we can do other things other than sex. He loves to give oral, but sometimes you just want a good shag, don’t you?

Anyway, should he ever be looking on Mumsnet for answers, he may see this response and click. But OP, not sure on your situation, but all I ever see is bewildered men who have no idea why sex has dried up, when they have similar qualities to my DH.

This exactly! Absolutely similar to me! And I'll bet my DH just blames it on me having had a baby recently. But the truth is laziness in all areas is incredibly unattractive. Groping me whilst I'm bent over trying to fix our toilet seat thinking that's a good time to see if I'm in the mood and then seeming confused as to why I didn't appreciate that instead of offering to help. Personal hygiene... I've not washed his bathroom towel..not sure when he has!

Mischance · 13/11/2024 04:43

No-one can say why your wife has gone off sex, but reading mumsnet it does seem to be very common indeed. So it could almost be defined as part of normality.
Clearly there will also be many women who are up for it all the time, but the scenario described by the OP is par for the course.
Who can say why? Maybe it is just part of biology and related to the fact that men go on being fertile till death, so the urge continues similarly.
Warmth, physical affection and closeness are important to women for sure, but it seems that many can do without direct genital activity.
There is nothing worse than being with someone you care for and share children and life with but knowing that you cannot show them any affection without precipitating a hand down the knickers or a thrusting dick rubbing up against you when you just wanted to be affectionate and caring.
The only way is communication, but sometimes that becomes difficult as lines are drawn and difficult to cross once they become entrenched.
Maybe put sex off the agenda ... it pretty well is anyway .... and just make sure there is lots of physical affection shown all the time so she knows you are able to give her a hug without wanting more. Not easy I know, but if you want to be with her and keep your family together you may have to play the long game. Sexual compatibility is the exception rather than the rule as we all change in every regard throughout our lives.

DeepRoseFish · 13/11/2024 03:33

Shoppedatwoolworths · 13/11/2024 03:11

Was going to name change for this but sod it.

I have been married to DH for 22 yrs. Pretty good marriage, we get on and do things together, however I’ve totally gone off sex. I used to really love sex and was way more adventurous than him. Now my skin crawls when I even think about DTD with him.

He will be wondering why, I expect. He hasn’t asked so I haven’t contributed any reasons or excuses.

For me, these are my reasons.

He brushes his teeth once in a blue moon. I don’t want to kiss him because of his breath. It’s difficult even sleeping in the same bed. He’s the type to take offence and sulk for days so I haven’t directly said to him this is one of the reasons. I’m also not his parent. He’s 46, HE should know to brush his own teeth. Or to go to the dentist.

Sex lasts approximately 30-40 seconds then it’s over. The very second I get into it, it stops. So what’s the point? We’ve spoken about this but for some reason he won’t address this issue with a GP, because let’s face it, it’s not an issue for him. He gets his orgasm and I get wet for nothing. Again, I shouldn’t have to nag an adult to see a doctor. Especially when I don’t even care to have sex. I’ve given up asking him to sort this out. So his selfishness over this is a large contributor to my dwindling libido.

Limited attraction from my end. I guess sometimes this fades over time. He’s a good looking man, just with the teeth issue and other things, the attraction just isn’t there for me anymore.

Uneven distribution of housework. He does very little. I’m naturally the default parent and always have been. He acts like an additional child, which is not sexy for me. Eg, the teeth issue and the premature ejac issue, if I told him to brush teeth, he willingly would. But I’m not his fucking parent. If I booked the dr appointment, he’d go. Again, not my job. I am tired of being the chief decision maker by default despite never signing up for the role. All of that makes me less and less attracted to him. I’m attracted to intelligence and initiative, when that’s gone there’s nothing for me to be attracted to.

He makes zero attempt to woo me into bed. He thinks he can just get it out and I’ll be ready, or he can rub my back for 20 seconds to fire me up so I’ll be raring to go. No dates arranged. No flirting other than some cringy innuendos that remind me of Bruce Fortsythe or worse.

He’s genuinely one of life’s great guys (I know my description hasn’t sold him), he really is though. We are an amazing team and I actually believe if he ever asked me “why?” I would tell him the reasons stated above, but he doesn’t even take the initiative to ask me, so I’m not offering the information. If this was a situation that bothered me then I would sort it, but right now, I don’t care for sex. Libido is low. When it does come, I sort myself out.

But I’m sure he is like many, many men who are perplexed as to why their wives don’t want to sleep with them anymore. I know he finds me attractive. I look and weigh the same as I did when we met in high school and I’ve worked hard to keep my looks and figure. He always touches me and I hate it.

And yes, we can do other things other than sex. He loves to give oral, but sometimes you just want a good shag, don’t you?

Anyway, should he ever be looking on Mumsnet for answers, he may see this response and click. But OP, not sure on your situation, but all I ever see is bewildered men who have no idea why sex has dried up, when they have similar qualities to my DH.

Nailed it

Shoppedatwoolworths · 13/11/2024 03:11

Was going to name change for this but sod it.

I have been married to DH for 22 yrs. Pretty good marriage, we get on and do things together, however I’ve totally gone off sex. I used to really love sex and was way more adventurous than him. Now my skin crawls when I even think about DTD with him.

He will be wondering why, I expect. He hasn’t asked so I haven’t contributed any reasons or excuses.

For me, these are my reasons.

He brushes his teeth once in a blue moon. I don’t want to kiss him because of his breath. It’s difficult even sleeping in the same bed. He’s the type to take offence and sulk for days so I haven’t directly said to him this is one of the reasons. I’m also not his parent. He’s 46, HE should know to brush his own teeth. Or to go to the dentist.

Sex lasts approximately 30-40 seconds then it’s over. The very second I get into it, it stops. So what’s the point? We’ve spoken about this but for some reason he won’t address this issue with a GP, because let’s face it, it’s not an issue for him. He gets his orgasm and I get wet for nothing. Again, I shouldn’t have to nag an adult to see a doctor. Especially when I don’t even care to have sex. I’ve given up asking him to sort this out. So his selfishness over this is a large contributor to my dwindling libido.

Limited attraction from my end. I guess sometimes this fades over time. He’s a good looking man, just with the teeth issue and other things, the attraction just isn’t there for me anymore.

Uneven distribution of housework. He does very little. I’m naturally the default parent and always have been. He acts like an additional child, which is not sexy for me. Eg, the teeth issue and the premature ejac issue, if I told him to brush teeth, he willingly would. But I’m not his fucking parent. If I booked the dr appointment, he’d go. Again, not my job. I am tired of being the chief decision maker by default despite never signing up for the role. All of that makes me less and less attracted to him. I’m attracted to intelligence and initiative, when that’s gone there’s nothing for me to be attracted to.

He makes zero attempt to woo me into bed. He thinks he can just get it out and I’ll be ready, or he can rub my back for 20 seconds to fire me up so I’ll be raring to go. No dates arranged. No flirting other than some cringy innuendos that remind me of Bruce Fortsythe or worse.

He’s genuinely one of life’s great guys (I know my description hasn’t sold him), he really is though. We are an amazing team and I actually believe if he ever asked me “why?” I would tell him the reasons stated above, but he doesn’t even take the initiative to ask me, so I’m not offering the information. If this was a situation that bothered me then I would sort it, but right now, I don’t care for sex. Libido is low. When it does come, I sort myself out.

But I’m sure he is like many, many men who are perplexed as to why their wives don’t want to sleep with them anymore. I know he finds me attractive. I look and weigh the same as I did when we met in high school and I’ve worked hard to keep my looks and figure. He always touches me and I hate it.

And yes, we can do other things other than sex. He loves to give oral, but sometimes you just want a good shag, don’t you?

Anyway, should he ever be looking on Mumsnet for answers, he may see this response and click. But OP, not sure on your situation, but all I ever see is bewildered men who have no idea why sex has dried up, when they have similar qualities to my DH.

BettyBardMacDonald · 13/11/2024 02:36

Snoopdoggydog123 · 13/11/2024 00:45

She doesn't get to just unilaterally decide you're living a life without sex.
This has been a long standing problem so can't just be blamed on babies.

You would be more than right to force the discussion with no wishy washy pandering.

But honestly, you've got 1 life I would absolutly put divorce on the table.

This.

In my experience, and I'm over 60, people don't change.

We get only one brief life on planet earth. Do you really want to spend it desperate for intimacy?