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Not wanting sex for this reason? Anyone relate or understand?

14 replies

Pennia · 06/08/2021 17:02

Been dating six months. DP told me early on that he hadn’t had sex for years as he hadn’t been in a relationship. He didn’t want to do it outside a relationship. All fine. Things went slowly physically but it’s all been great leading up to sex.

We had sex four months in for a couple of weeks, all going well, then bam! DP gets made redundant. Cue him being obsessive about finding a new job, lining up interviews etc. Sex fell off the radar though we did other things during this time. As the weeks went by it became obvious he didn’t want sex. I raised it. He said he was too stressed and he was sorry, of course he wanted it but his mind was elsewhere at the moment with everything going on. He hoped it would settle down soon when he had sorted a job. He’s been preparing for an it eve he that he’s just had and he thinks he’s got the job but won’t find out for another week. For context DP is a very anxious sort of person and he has almost literally talked of nothing since since hearing about redundancy. He doesn’t have money worries but he loves working.

Anyway…I’ve been reflecting on this today. Is it an odd thing to do to put off sex like this? Everything else has been great as usual, still seen each other, he still makes an effort except he’s been working more and worried about work.

Obviously I know it’s ok not to want sex for any reason whatsoever. I’m not massively bothered by sex so I’ve found it relatively easy to not do it for a while, but don’t want total absence of it in general. Just wondering if this is a bad sign? And also wondering how we will get back into it after a gap like this.

OP posts:
Pennia · 06/08/2021 17:03

*preparing for an interview

OP posts:
SpongeBobJudgeyPants · 06/08/2021 17:24

Hmm. Yes, I suppose he is entitled not to want it for whatever reason, the same as you are. The fact that he waited a long time to get physical may mean that he is not very sexual iuswim. If you aren't either, then it could be ok. For me though, I would find it difficult to cope with. But you are not me, only you know.

Ragwort · 06/08/2021 17:25

He just doesn't sound that interested in sex - not everyone is - only you know how important it is for you in a relationship.

Pennia · 06/08/2021 17:31

I’m ok with not doing it x number of times but not complete absence of it.

OP posts:
Bryonyshcmyony · 06/08/2021 17:32

That's a bit sad unless you are both happy with it.

wizzywig · 06/08/2021 17:35

I'd end it now. He will use any reason as a way to stop having sex. Unless you are fine with not having it of course

topcat2014 · 06/08/2021 17:36

Stress gets rid of any desire for me, I don't have the headspace.

Ragwort · 06/08/2021 17:47

Just be honest with him, you've only been together six months, it's not exactly a long term relationship so let him know it's not working out for you.

SnoozyBoozy · 06/08/2021 17:52

@wizzywig

I'd end it now. He will use any reason as a way to stop having sex. Unless you are fine with not having it of course
How on earth could you know this?! The op clearly said everything was fine until he was made redundant.

I may be that he isn't that into it generally, or it may be that he is stressed and it's the last thing in his mind. If I was made redundant and stressing over how to pay bills etc, it wouldn't be high up on my list either.

Op, if the rest of the relationship is good and you can see a future in it, I'd be inclined to give him some time.tonfind a job and settle down and see how things like them. If nothing changes, then I guess you have to see how important it is to you.

DinosaurDiana · 06/08/2021 17:54

I think it’s a bad sign.
I think you need to think about how much you need sex in your relationship, and if you’re happy to be dictated to as to when you will get sex.

Akrotiri1 · 06/08/2021 17:59

I am in a similar situation with redundancy on the cards in the next couple of mnths. I do not want to be out of work for any longer than I have too - without a job to go to I know my mental health will suffer as also have anxiety and occasional depression, which can get worse in the winter mnths.

I will get redundancy pay, have savings and a partner that could support me short term, but does not stop me feeling anxious.
The last few weeks I have spent searching job ad's, contacting agencies etc.....I wouldn't say i have been obsessive about it, but know I will sleep better at night once I know I have a job to go on to.

The problem for me is that I have not been given a definite redundancy date, and therefore a notice period, so very frustrating when jobs come up that I am interested in but can't yet apply to.

So yes I can see where your partner is coming from, especially if he suffers from anxiety. And sex is not the top of my priority list either atm!

Mermaidsh1t · 06/08/2021 18:00

I wonder what he anxious demeanour is about. Does he use work to avoid dealing with other stuff that bothers him? I think there's an underlyong issue here and unless he's prepared to look at this, sex will never be high on his agenda.

lovelybitofsquirrell · 06/08/2021 18:02

He is entitled to not want sex. You are entitled to want it. You may need to end this relationship.

Personally, when I stressed, sex is a great destresser for me. But everyone is different.

Whingey · 06/08/2021 19:24

Complaining about NHS. Did you get a response?

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