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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Why won't new man have sex with me?

189 replies

Annahola · 15/10/2018 05:49

I have been seeing a new man for a few months. We see each other every few days and get on great. In the past few weeks he has started staying at mine for a few days at a time.

When he stays at mine we cuddle and spoon and I get really horny but he won't have sex because he says it changes things like makes the relationship more certain in a way. To my knowledge it's the first time he's ever decided to wait for sex but as well as being frustrating, it makes me feel a little down on my self esteem. He seems very in to me in every other respect and always makes the arrangements to see each other so he's keen in that way.

OP posts:
64BooLane · 16/10/2018 09:00

The evasive way he’s dealing with your confusion and concern is the real issue - the lack of clarity, honesty, regard for your emotional safety.

I’d end it.

hellsbellsmelons · 16/10/2018 09:16

because the hypocrisy/double standard in this thread is staggering
Not really.
If a man posts about lack of sex I give exactly the same advice.
You are not compatible sexually and life is too short.

ScattyCharly · 16/10/2018 09:26

I’d dump him.

Because whatever the issue is, he’s not telling the full and straightforward truth. He’s glossing over it by saying “trust issues” which could mean anything. The fact that he won’t tell the truth and is therefore chipping away at your self esteem is not ok. A problem discussed in s straightforward and honest way could be ok. But the bullshitting is the deal breaker.

Gabilan · 16/10/2018 10:38

Some men (same as women) have been sexually abused and therefore have problems with sexual relationships

This may, or may not, be his problem. The thing is, whatever his problem is, he's not dealing with it very well. This means the OP is all over the place and very, very confused. I have every sympathy with anyone who has been through abuse. But, he has to recognise that he is hurting and confusing the OP. So he can either open up to her more fully, or stop sending mixed messages.

Sharing her bed, repeatedly, is a mixed message. I would say that to a man or a woman. Sharing a bed because you miss your last train back is one thing. Agreeing to it as a prelude to something else is fine. Knowing that you are both happy with just being friends and just sharing a bed - sure, if you both agree to it. But repeatedly getting into bed with someone who wants to have sex with you, when there's no practical need to do so, and then withholding sex - it's really selfish and inconsiderate. They both need to draw a line and stop doing this.

PaintingOwls · 16/10/2018 10:44

oh and he does say as he has got older his sex drive has diminished

Ah yes. Mine is like this. Absolutely crushing to the old self-esteem.

Postino · 16/10/2018 10:59

I couldn't live with this, the frustration and confusion would drive me mad. You can end a relationship at any time for any reason, or no reason. Hope you find a compatible partner soon

DadJoke · 16/10/2018 11:24

The only reason you've given is "it changes things like makes the relationship more certain in a way" and that his sex drive has diminished. So, he is either fearful of commitment in general or with you, or is nervous about having sex with you the first time - maybe because he is scared of performance issues. The fact you've seen signs of an erection at least means something.

I suggest offering mutual touch where you specifically avoid each others' genitals - a nice massage, kissing, generally making it out. It might leave you a little frustrated but it would at least remove any fear of performance from him. See how that goes. I think you'll get a good idea if he finds you attractive.

If he just doesn't want to commit at all then that's a different issue, and I would talk to him in terms of that rather than "when are we having sex?"

Housingcraze · 16/10/2018 11:31

Forced into doing something he didn’t want to do? Get more info it been months

TheDowagerCuntess · 16/10/2018 12:05

But repeatedly getting into bed with someone who wants to have sex with you, when there's no practical need to do so, and then withholding sex - it's really selfish and inconsiderate. They both need to draw a line and stop doing this.

This ^

SandAndSea · 16/10/2018 12:30

It almost doesn't matter what his reasons are. The bottom line is that you're not a match. Your needs aren't being met.

I would end it before you get any more attached.

bringincrazyback · 16/10/2018 12:48

Dump him. It shouldn't be this much hard work at such an early stage.

TomPinch · 16/10/2018 18:33

@QueenoftheNights,

Thanks, but I've read the thread. Perhaps I didn't make my point clearly enough. What I read is that the OP's partner has given, in fact, a variety of reasons in response to the question "why won't you have sex with me". So, she's had her answer. She's asking the wrong question. The question she ought to be asking is "We aren't having sex, this doesn't work for me, and what are you prepared to do about it."

Unlike some, I wouldn't say "leave him" because we don't know what his response to this approach would be. I would say that if he is completely unwilling to discuss the problem, it doesn't bode well for the future of the relationship.

I have also read a lot of speculation on this thread about what the actual cause for his reasons. In my view this an enormous sideshow, and potentially harmful advice for the OP. The reasons are irrelevant. What's relevant is that he's given his reasons and, as you say, won't discuss them.

It's very sad, but even if he has suffered from abuse in the past, or suffers from ED or some kind of depression or other problem, the reality is that he has to fix that himself and the OP will probably not be able to do this. It's not anyone's job to 'fix' a person with whom they have been in a relationship for just a few months. This is just as true for men as it is for women. Unless the OP is some kind of genius, she will be unlikely to provide good understanding or support. So, the OP has no responsibility to work out what his problem is. There's nothing selfish about this - it just reflects the reality that she won't know him that well and therefore may not be able to help.

If she thinks he's enough of a good thing to go without sex, that is of course a completely valid choice but she needs to make it with her eyes open.

notapizzaeater · 16/10/2018 18:35

I'd have a serious talk and see where he thinks it's going and how he makes you feel.

combatbarbie · 16/10/2018 18:40

Def time to move on, he wants you to consider his feelings but he won't consider yours....

If he's that lacking in trust why start dating, it's not like yous are teenagers

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