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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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The expectation of daily sex.

842 replies

Chillionice · 07/06/2021 07:30

Being 44 yr old mother of 3 (13/11/10) with husband for nearly 15 yrs I would love some advice or reassurance about how to manage the sexual expectation.

My husband & I have may incompatibilities and underwent counselling 5 yrs ago. He has begrudgingly accepted that our sex life is not going to be as colourful or plentiful as he would like. A daily morning session seems to have been settled upon yet I still struggle with this. Eroticism was never a part of our marriage, kissing ended years ago & we are left with this daily session that seems to placate my husband but still fills me with dread and sadness.
I write this at 7.21 on a Monday morning having started the day, the week etc exactly the same way once again. This interaction between us to me confirms the loneliness of our relationship - both sides wanting something so different and kind of compromising on this middle ground. I frequently try to put off a dawn toilet visit incase my husband stirs and feel a lot of resentment that I can seldom start the day relaxed, dozing, contemplating bird song etc. Nor am I excused if I’ve been up with the kids in the night or have a challenging day ahead. It feels relentless, unwaning, an appetite I can never sate.

One of our incompatibilities that counselling could only do so much to resolve was poor communication. My husband is emotionally very distant and easily offended meaning I really have to just accept this situation and be grateful try to think it’s only 5 minutes of the day.
So anyone in the same boat with any advice of how to keep a positive mind for 5 mins daily to hold a marriage together, please let me know how you do it!!! Thanks.

OP posts:
ecnatsid · 08/07/2022 17:13

Good for you OP

LakieLady · 08/07/2022 17:13

Wow, that's fantastic news!

I wish you the best possible future.

Oblomov22 · 08/07/2022 17:15

The fact you even need to ask is frightening. You must know this isn't normal. If you don't know that this isn't normal, that's even more worrying.

DuckBilledPlattyJoobs · 08/07/2022 17:15

You most certainly do not have to ‘accept’ this situation. Tell him to use his hand and start divorce proceedings.

oobeedoobee · 08/07/2022 17:16

So happy for you ! Great to hear you found your voice and your strength to make the changes to your life.

May you ALWAYS be able listen to the birdsong in the morning ! xx

FourEyesGood · 08/07/2022 17:16

I read all of your posts on this thread and then the last one made me cheer. Well done! What an excellent update.

DahliaDreamer · 08/07/2022 17:16

Well done you!! I was married to a very similar man whose refrain was an angry "women control sex". I divorced him and it was the best thing I ever did. I'll raise a glass to you tonight

Notgoodatpoetrybutgreatatlit · 08/07/2022 17:16

Awesome update ! You totally rock. I am so pleased for you.

MichaelAndEagle · 08/07/2022 17:16

Well done! I didn't see the thread first time, but still love your update.
I've been through a separation too, understand it is difficult and totally chime with the feeling of just putting up with shit because of being afraid to be away from your children. But in the end it was like death by a thousand paperclips.
Well done OP!!

Jadecarrot · 08/07/2022 17:18

Congratulations!

MiniPiccolo · 08/07/2022 17:19

Chillionice · 08/07/2022 16:51

I doubt anyone will ever look at this thread again but it feels important to say a year later that the reaction I received changed me fundamentally. I read many of the recommendations people made, started counselling, left the relationship and filed for divorce.

That's excellent news OP. Genuinely. When did you file? Are you now living apart?

exitlight · 08/07/2022 17:20

Yes, OP! Nice one, very pleased for you 👏🏻

PerseverancePays · 08/07/2022 17:21

Bloody well done! You’ve made my day!

DuckBilledPlattyJoobs · 08/07/2022 17:22

I see you have filed for divorce, brilliant news.

Oblomov22 · 08/07/2022 17:22

Sorry, didn't see update. Good!

pointythings · 08/07/2022 17:22

That is wonderful, well done!

Guvner · 08/07/2022 17:22

Great news Op. go you!

PeopleRStrange · 08/07/2022 17:23

Congratulations, well done 😁

TheSpottedZebra · 08/07/2022 17:23

One of the best updates I've ever read.
Well done you OP, may you have a lifetime of freedom and and joy ahead.

RincewindsHat · 08/07/2022 17:24

I never read this thread when it was published, but reading from the beginning made me feel so horrified and sad on your behalf that you were forced into doing something you didn't want to because your husband refused to acknowledge your right to not have sex if you don't want to and to explore alternative solutions. Good on you for changing the status quo and standing up for yourself. And congratulations!

scott2609 · 08/07/2022 17:25

What a joy to read your update- take care and enjoy your new freedom

bloodyunicorns · 08/07/2022 17:25

This is horrific. Don't be pressured into having sex just to keep your sulky, grumpy husband happy.

Instead, why doesn't he try to please you by talking to you, being emotionally available to you, making an effort with your relationship?

Your life sounds miserable.

I'd leave.

Pleaseletmeconfirm · 08/07/2022 17:26

That's amazing news OP. Well done.

ZaZathecat · 08/07/2022 17:27

If you insist on only having sex when you want to, and he doesn't like it, you are not breaking up your marriage. It will be up to him to decide if he wants to stay in the marriage or break it up himself.

GingerFigs · 08/07/2022 17:28

Well done. Lots of people post and get good advice but don't act on it (sometimes easier said than done).

Bloody well done you. Onwards and upwards!!