Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask why does the spark fizzle out

45 replies

Lockeddownagain · 14/07/2021 22:28

I've just found out messages when we started going out. They were so loving and passionate. 15years on and we are like flatmates
I have been cried most of the evening its totally my fault but why does it happen did it happen to you

OP posts:
RosesAndHellebores · 14/07/2021 22:55

Have been married for 30 years. I think the 10 to 15 year point marks a turning point. It's when we knew each other and were beginning to age a little; the children were pre teens and for us it was the stage when we both lost a parent and were learning how each other dealt with grief.

It was also around about the point when DH's career really, really took off and I went back to work in a small way. That small way gave me back my sense of self and coincided with DH spending about 18 months when he was more in NY than at home. I think it made us realise we missed each other.

It's hard to explain op but all marriages have their lean times and for us the longer we have been together the more important the marriage has become. I say that as part of a couple who had an "electric" connection the first time we met and who were barely apart from the 2nd date.

Lockheart · 14/07/2021 22:56

@Lockeddownagain

My period is now 21days late I'm sure its thr covid vaccine but the gp told me it might just be the weather my periods never late. I get no help with it but I spend the better part of my cycle in agony I have about 2days a month were I'm not crying in pain x
You need to push for a referral to a specialist from your GP. Don't let them fob you off. Seek a second GP opinion and tell them you need a referral to a gynaecological consultant - you should not be in that level of pain for the majority of the month.
minipie · 14/07/2021 23:02

You should NOT be in pain that often OP.
Please push your GP to refer you to a gynae consultant.

Lockeddownagain · 14/07/2021 23:05

I've had an operation I've been like this for 28years. There is nothing wrong and no one cares so I like in agony and my husband is bored of it like everyone else . I cant wear nice clothes or have sex or be a human cos I am in so much pain and bloating xx thanks for listening xx

OP posts:
Itsnotmyjob · 14/07/2021 23:12

@Lockeddownagain there is something wrong - you’re in pain, that’s what’s wrong.
Please go back to the GP, I know it’s hellish, I have PMB and no one can say why but please go back. It’s making you and your life miserable and you need a referral. Would DH go with you, or a friend if it feels too much to cope with?
I’m so sorry you’re going through that.💐

DrSbaitso · 14/07/2021 23:17

Ok, the later posts are painting a different picture. You must see your doctor and get this pain sorted out, and you deserve your husband's support in this. There's no virtue in suffering in silence. It will only cause more misery to everyone.

MagentaSunset · 14/07/2021 23:20

That TED talk explains it better than anybody on Mumsnet probably can. And also the ways to try to sustain desire in a long-term relationship (not easy, it takes effort from both people!).

MagentaSunset · 14/07/2021 23:22

@Lockeddownagain

I've had an operation I've been like this for 28years. There is nothing wrong and no one cares so I like in agony and my husband is bored of it like everyone else . I cant wear nice clothes or have sex or be a human cos I am in so much pain and bloating xx thanks for listening xx
Apologies, I'd not seen this post. As PP said that is a very different situation, I'm really sorry.
Blossomtoes · 14/07/2021 23:26

@Lockeddownagain

It's not him that makes me cringe its me. Dressing up wearing nice underwear flirting it would be to ridiculous for words
That wasn’t the suggestion. It’s little non sexual things, like buying each other treats you like - my bloke loves custard tarts, for example. Giving one another a hug, just because. Bringing each other a cup of tea in bed. Easy things that make you feel loved.
Lockheart · 14/07/2021 23:36

@Lockeddownagain

I've had an operation I've been like this for 28years. There is nothing wrong and no one cares so I like in agony and my husband is bored of it like everyone else . I cant wear nice clothes or have sex or be a human cos I am in so much pain and bloating xx thanks for listening xx
No, there is something very very wrong. You need serious medical help to address these symptoms and therapy to work through the trauma you're very clearly suffering.

Go back to the doctor tomorrow and insist on a referral to a new consultant. 'An operation' clearly hasn't cut the mustard here.

You've had children - was this discussed with your obstetrician / midwives / gynaecologists then?

Hawkins001 · 15/07/2021 00:09

My ex, married around 10 years, together with her dp, around 12 years, two kids, latest intelligence, is that "we used to be romantic" those were her words.

AnneLovesGilbert · 15/07/2021 00:11
That is very interesting. Thank you for sharing.
MarkRuffaloCrumble · 15/07/2021 00:14

You don’t have to dress up in fancy underwear!

DP and I have been together 9 years and there’s still a spark. I put that down to the fact that we don’t live together, so still have to make an effort to spend time together. Once you’re always there, it’s easy for you both to stop seeing each other as someone you have to impress, you just become part of the furniture.

Your medical issues can’t be helping. You must feel like crap a lot of the time and the fact that it’s inhibiting your sex life must be a big part of the spark going from your relationship. You must keep pushing to get this sorted out, it’s having a massive impact on your life. Maybe get him to come along to your next appointment and tell them it’s fucking with his sex life - sadly that’s probably the only way it will be dealt with SadFlowers

However, in the meantime there are other things you could do - we don’t do PIV most of the time anyway due to contraceptive issues, so could you prioritise other types of intimacy? Long kisses, feeling each other up, hand stuff etc - it’s vital to have that connection if you want to stop being flatmates but I understand why you don’t feel like it.

What helps for us (and we go through less amorous spells when these things are missing) :

Six second kiss when he comes in the door or leaves. Not just a granny peck on the cheek, a proper kiss.

Holding hands, touching thighs, arms around each other etc when watching TV

He gives me a foot rub and I give him a back tickle. Every night we spend together (3 times a week)

We send messages saying “thinking of you” or Love You during the day. He’s a bit crap at this sometimes but I’ve made the point that it’s important to me to hear from him when we’re not together, otherwise he can go until 11pm before I hear anything and I feel forgotten, which makes me close down emotionally.

We tell each other often (face to face) that we love each other or that he thinks I’m beautiful or that he makes me melt when he looks at me a certain way. I don’t do flirting, never have, but I’ll put on a tight vest top with my PJ trousers because I know he’ll like it, and then he gets the signal that I’m in the mood.

We don’t go out often as both have our kids around much of the time, but we make time for lunch about once a week, and prioritise our time together when we’re both free. We try to schedule other things for the days we’re not together, so we don’t spend much time with each other’s families, but that means when we are together it’s more about us, rather than fitting in with hobbies and visiting family etc.

We also assume we’ll be having sex and operate an ‘opt-out’ system rather than ‘opt-in’, so we go to bed assuming we will be doing something. That may be one sided or less than the whole hog, but it means we keep the connection going. But that’s one for layer when you’ve got your Gynae issues sorted. That has to be your priority. If need be make a complaint as it sounds like you’re being fobbed off.

Tiari · 15/07/2021 00:43

Hi @Lockeddownagain
I can understand you not feeling like sex because of illness. I'm the same, a number of illnesses for years including recurrent bladder infections and incontinence so don't really feel like being touched.

But DH still fancies sex and I was wondering why yours doesn't?
Not being nosey, it's just that you said he never feels like having sex either and I was wondering why? It's not helping you to feel sexy (even just now and again) if you feel he's not interested?
Does your DH have illnesses too or is he empathising with you about not wanting sex?

I'm sorry you're feeling rough and hope you can find the strength to push your GP into referral for further investigation Flowers

Lockeddownagain · 15/07/2021 02:57

Thank you everyone for your linest I'm going to try again tomorrow and then I'm going to report the lack of care to the practice manager and hope they'll do something you have all.made.me realise im being excepted to.li e with something unliveable

OP posts:
PolkadotZigZags · 15/07/2021 03:05

@Lockeddownagain

Thank you everyone for your linest I'm going to try again tomorrow and then I'm going to report the lack of care to the practice manager and hope they'll do something you have all.made.me realise im being excepted to.li e with something unliveable
You should never have to live like that. Never. Fight fight fight to get proper care. I would be looking up the lead consultant on gynae in the county and asking for a referral to them. Nobody should live in pain for years like this, it is totally unacceptable.
PolkadotZigZags · 15/07/2021 03:06

@AnneLovesGilbert glad it helped someone! I found it fascinating.

JuneJuly · 15/07/2021 06:54

@Lockeddownagain

My period is now 21days late I'm sure its thr covid vaccine but the gp told me it might just be the weather my periods never late. I get no help with it but I spend the better part of my cycle in agony I have about 2days a month were I'm not crying in pain x
You're obviously having gynae issues that need to be dealt with but I wouldn't be surprised if your late period right now is due to having the vaccine.

Despite being peri-menopause age, my periods are always on time, give or take a day or two. After my first Pfizer vaccine though, I didn't get another period for just short of three months - it started 3 weeks after the second vaccine.

lynsey91 · 15/07/2021 18:01

The spark doesn't always fizzle out.

Me and DH have been married 40 years and are still very much in love. We tell each other we love them a lot. We still buy each other silly little presents if we see something the other would like.

We both enjoy the other's company. We holds hands all the time, we cuddle all the time.

We don't have children and I honestly think that has helped keep the spark alive.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread