To ask if you know any couples...

[SunsetsInVenice]

Who are in sexless relationships as in never had sex with one another at all?
We have a male friend who is 35, never before been in a relationship but very much attracted to women. Also very overweight and has low self esteem. He is with a woman (who we are pretty sure is autistic) and she says she loves him but would never have sex with him and he is ok with that even if it never happens for him in his life.
No judgement here, just wondered if anyone else knew of a set up like that and if if works.

I suspect she has an ulterior motive tbh. Unless she is very religious?

I honestly don’t see what the point is of being in a romantic relationship with someone if you can’t countenance the possibility of sex with them.

Sex isn’t the be-all and end-all but if it’s off the table from the outset it’s just a friendship.

Is he wealthy?

It would depend though - that is coming from your perspective, as someone who presumably wants to have sex. However, there are most definitely people who have little/no sex drive. There are also people who are physically unable to have sex.

It wouldn’t be okay for me, but for some people it can be.

I've no idea ... do people really discuss their sex lives with other people once you are over 16?

@Saltired

It would depend though - that is coming from your perspective, as someone who presumably wants to have sex. However, there are most definitely people who have little/no sex drive. There are also people who are physically unable to have sex.

Sure, and that’s all fine if that’s what they want but for me that’s not a romantic relationship. It’s at best a friendship with a strong emotional side.

As I said before I think it’s possible to have a successful relationship which involves long periods without sex but one where sex is explicitly ruled out is not what I would call a relationship. A relationship without even the possibility of physical intimacy is a friendship.

Again, call me cynical but I wonder what he thinks he’s getting out of it? Does he think he’s going to talk her around?

I don't think she is assexual.
I think he just adores her and enjoys the time together and she also loves him but not sexually. He seems happy with that however.
He is definitely not wealthy. Not judging here but also agree that it's really more of a friendship than anything else.

Sounds like the woman might be asexual, have romantic feelings but no sexual desire. It's not that unusual and I did know a couple who were happy together for many years in that set up even though only was one asexual.

If it makes both of them happy it’s fine, whatever you call it.

I suppose I would worry he was ultimately going to end up feeling a bit unfulfilled and cheated because the chances are it’s not going to work for him indefinitely but it’s up to him.