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Am I right to feel hurt over those comments ???

239 replies

BeNimblePeachDuck · 15/02/2026 22:39

Hi everyone,
My husband and I are both 42 and have two boys, 10 and 8. It’s half term this week, so they’ve been at his parents’ and we decided to have a night to ourselves on Friday. He booked a lovely restaurant, enjoyed the phone and we had a great time , we were cackling in the restaurant then we had a few drinks at a bar afterward, and then went home.

We’ve always had a great marriage I really love him, and I think we’ve always been quite “vanilla” in the bedroom. But I thought maybe we could try something different just this once. I suggested a different position instead thinking it might be fun to mix things up.
Instead of being open, he got upset and said he wasn’t going to “degrade his wife,” and asking what was wrong with me. I was shocked and didn’t really know what to say. We carried on, he kissed me on the forehead, went to shower, and then fell asleep.

I keep thinking about it and I feel hurt, confused, and embarrassed. I don’t want to overreact, but I also can’t shake it. I guess I just thought he’d be open to exploring a little, but he’s so closed off. I haven’t told any of my friends because I feel too ashamed. We have frequent sex sometimes 5 times a week and I’d like to try new things I feel confident in my body, my husband and I met at university and back then we explored each other we’d try new things all the time but now he is not interested at all I buy lingerie he says it’s silly, I say maybe we should try role play he says that’s stupid and he just wants me not this.

Is this just a middle aged man thing or should I be worried about my marriage

OP posts:
BeNimblePeachDuck · 15/02/2026 22:54

EvangelineTheNightStar · 15/02/2026 22:50

I’m sure I’ve seen posts from the other side, of posters being guilted into doing things they didn’t want sexually because the other person
said not doing it upset them and made them feel bad…

well that’s not going to happen I respect his choice I think I’m more so upset at the comments he makes it’s not the first time but regardless I wouldn’t guilt him into doing things he doesn’t want to do and I hope my post didn’t give that impression , not my intention at all

OP posts:
ForPinkDuck · 15/02/2026 22:51

Dont know, does he ensure you orgasm? Imo if its just a sexual position he sounds like a prude, what were the messages he got about sex from his family growing up?

gamerchick · 15/02/2026 22:50

Does he make sure you finish at least?

Ohfudgeoff · 15/02/2026 22:50

treeowl · 15/02/2026 22:48

I am a bit confused, surely he has some interest if you are doing it 5 x a week?

That's what I would have thought too.

What did you ask him, to have such a strong reaction as he did?

EvangelineTheNightStar · 15/02/2026 22:50

BeNimblePeachDuck · 15/02/2026 22:47

I’m upset that he’s become so “vanilla” to the point that I feel ashamed for wanting to try something different or wanting to put effort into our sex life.

I’m sure I’ve seen posts from the other side, of posters being guilted into doing things they didn’t want sexually because the other person
said not doing it upset them and made them feel bad…

treeowl · 15/02/2026 22:49

Maybe talk to him first about what you would like to try/explore rather than at the time?

gamerchick · 15/02/2026 22:49

But what did you suggest. Is he all just missionary position for 10 minutes and that's it?

You're feeling unfulfilled in the bedroom and he doesn't care. It'll eat away at your relationship. Is it just laziness?

treeowl · 15/02/2026 22:48

I am a bit confused, surely he has some interest if you are doing it 5 x a week?

BeNimblePeachDuck · 15/02/2026 22:47

EvangelineTheNightStar · 15/02/2026 22:44

Why are you upset? Upset he wouldn’t do something he didn’t want to sexually? Would it be seen as degrading?

I’m upset that he’s become so “vanilla” to the point that I feel ashamed for wanting to try something different or wanting to put effort into our sex life.

OP posts:
Silverbirchleaf · 15/02/2026 22:46

I don’t think you should be worried about your marriage, but whatever it was, he didn’t feel comfortable doing it.

Careeradviceplease1234 · 15/02/2026 22:46

It wasn't nice of him to react like that. He could have expressed that he didn't want to do the position without implying you were degrading yourself.

EvangelineTheNightStar · 15/02/2026 22:44

Why are you upset? Upset he wouldn’t do something he didn’t want to sexually? Would it be seen as degrading?

Hospitalvisitguilt · 15/02/2026 22:42

Did involved animal masks?

I mean how far out there?

5 x per week doesn’t sound like you struggling

Happytaytos · 15/02/2026 22:40

Depends what it was.