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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Not really interested in sex

50 replies

LauraTheOtter · 23/06/2023 22:49

So I wonder if IABU to think this is at least unusual, however ok and acceptable it might be?

I just naturally don't think about it or feel drawn to it. I am not remotely repulsed by it, am not religious in the slightest and support all forms of sexual and romantic expression. I just can't be arsed with it personally. Is this common, or am I an outlier?

Background: I come from a stable, loving, liberally minded family; rural, horses, good friends, comfortable and very much loved. My late parents had a good lifelong marriage. Our family is quite small but very decent childhood, two siblings. I have no trauma issues or negative sexual experiences that I can think of, and have generally had good relationships with men. Having considered this over the past 30 years I am definitely heterosexual and don't feel interested in sex with women either.

I wondered what all the fuss was about at puberty, although I did like boys very much! Had first relationship at 16 and sex was a fun novelty, which I eventually grew bored with. I had a few casual flings in my early 20's with gorgeous guys and whilst hot for them in the moment, couldn't be doing with the idea of repeating it. I realised back then that I might struggle with a regular relationship.

Met what seemed my soulmate later, handsome and a good man, but over the years I did come to feel that the sex part was going through the motions for me, and I dearly didn't wish to hurt him. I never craved other men and didn't care if he found other women attractive. I was very much in love, but just not clingy or bothered by sex. He never pestered me, but he did love regular sex, and I suppose I just performed for the sake of that, because I felt that it was 'normal'.
We split eventually for very unrelated reasons, which were more concerned with financial differences and lifestyle.

I have been single now for 5 years and barely think of it. It's like I see most people out there seem so concerned with 'finding love' and whether they're sexy enough. People worried about being unattractive, growing older or being left on the shelf sexually. I don't possess any of these feelings and can't relate to why anyone would go through so much existential angst over it, but I do appreciate that I am different, so of course I understand that people have these very healthy and ordinary needs.

The idea of meeting a man and having to deal with his sexual needs, baggage and related issues doesn't appeal to me in the slightest, which might make me seem cold, but I am very much not!

I do need and love close connections, deep relationships/friendships and bonds, I am very loyal and make a great partner. I am not isolated and do have a lot of romance, sensuality and creativity in me (I am an artist).
I don't feel any rush to meet anyone, but do fear that eventually if I make a connection it would be unfair and impossible to expect a anyone to be exactly like me. I could equally have a deep bond (like live with, own a home and share a close connection) with a man or a woman, but I am not bi-sexual.
I'm kind of just not sexual.

Anyone else like this, and if so, how has it panned out for you?

OP posts:
SunLover1985 · 23/06/2023 22:52

You’re not being unreasonable at all. Since I hit 35 and I can take it or leave it to be honest.

Olderandolder · 23/06/2023 22:53

Totally reasonable. That’s just how you are.

Just be aware that many people would find it soul destroying to have a relationship without physical intimacy.

Other, e.g. my ex, would be delighted. Not entirely sure how you get honesty from a man about this before you commit to a relationship.

KateJohns · 23/06/2023 22:53

It's not unusual at all.
I dislike sex, if I never have it ever again, that's fine with me.

NuffSaidSam · 23/06/2023 22:56

You're maybe asexual?

It's completely reasonable to just be who you are. Although it is something that a lot of people really struggle to believe/get their heads round.

There is a quite odd anti-asexual element on Mumsnet who might be along to tell you there's something wrong with you. Ignore. Be happy being yourself.

MrsElsa · 23/06/2023 22:58

It doesn't sound like you enjoy it much. Plenty of women have never had an orgasm, but vibrators etc can be quite cost effective 🤷‍♀️

TomatoSandwiches · 23/06/2023 22:59

There is nothing wrong with you at all.

KateJohns · 23/06/2023 22:59

Also, I accepted that I'm Asexual and it is well worth looking into.

Some don't get it, others do and some have never heard the term.
So think of a heterosexual, they look at opposite sex and are sexually attracted, say a woman attracted to a man, but that hetero woman wouldn't be attracted to another woman in the same way. An asexual is like a hetero woman looking at another woman, but that's how they feel about everyone.

LauraTheOtter · 23/06/2023 23:02

I would never be anything but candid about it.
Although I don't feel geared towards a typical love affair type of romance, so if I bonded with a single individual it would probably happen over time, as we grew more familiar. I don't know!
I love the idea of just a fantastic friendship, one that had a very warm, close and softly physical (hugs, kisses, holding, etc) with someone so am definitely not stand offish.

Oddly enough my fave part of sex was PIV, wasn't too interested in foreplay. I suppose I just wasn't much interested at all!

OP posts:
LauraTheOtter · 23/06/2023 23:08

Thing is i don't see it as pathological, or that there's anything wrong with me at all. Just that I am aware of it, if that makes sense?

I've no shame about it and I like/enjoy my body, etc. I do occasionally pleasure myself but not often. It's like I have to be really bored or remember it exists, haha.
I love men's bodies and minds, when they're nice of course, and can often deeply desire them, but in a dreamy way, not something I want to get properly into at all.
I am not what I'd call sexless at all, just not motivated or interested.
I would maybe eventually like a relationship with a person similar, live together, have fun, share dreams, ambitions, travel, all of that. The whole lovely close thing, so sort of like a marriage ...that isn't typical.

OP posts:
LauraTheOtter · 23/06/2023 23:10

MrsElsa · 23/06/2023 22:58

It doesn't sound like you enjoy it much. Plenty of women have never had an orgasm, but vibrators etc can be quite cost effective 🤷‍♀️

I've had plenty of those! I promise. I just don't get the big deal I think. I mean, it's great, but I can't understand why all the fuss.

OP posts:
continentallentil · 23/06/2023 23:14

I do think it’s unusual - as in most people are interested in sex - but it’s not THAT unusual and it’s certainly not weird.

I’d assume you are asexual, from your descriptions.

Stopsnowing · 23/06/2023 23:19

Are you me?

WeightoftheWorld · 23/06/2023 23:20

I'm similar to you. I'm in a loving marriage and I do usually enjoy sexual intimacy when we have it, but I do find it an effort tbh and I also have to be properly relaxed, not too tired etc to enjoy it. And with two young children and health difficulties it's not very often that happens. But i also just generally have no interest in it myself, I couldn't care less if we never have sex again tbh it's just not important to me (but is very important to my very patient partner).

LauraTheOtter · 23/06/2023 23:23

i dont think im quite asexual, i do feel sexually attracted to men. I just don't care to develop a sexual relationship.
Maybe it is a stupendously low sex drive? Not sure. It feels fine and natural to me though so i dont see it as 'bad. If it bothered me i would seek professional assistance!

OP posts:
garlicandsapphires · 23/06/2023 23:25

I am very similar. My mum thinks it’s odd and feels sorry for me Confused

ClimbermumL · 23/06/2023 23:25

Are you me?

ArbitraryHaddock · 23/06/2023 23:26

I had a 35 year marriage with my soulmate. Now that’s over, through bereavement, I don’t care if I never have sex or an orgasm again. I’m open to exploring close platonic friendships with other people of either sex, though. I think over time the world will be more accepting and less judgmental about alternative kinds of pairings or groupings. Let’s hope so.

LauraTheOtter · 23/06/2023 23:26

WeightoftheWorld · 23/06/2023 23:20

I'm similar to you. I'm in a loving marriage and I do usually enjoy sexual intimacy when we have it, but I do find it an effort tbh and I also have to be properly relaxed, not too tired etc to enjoy it. And with two young children and health difficulties it's not very often that happens. But i also just generally have no interest in it myself, I couldn't care less if we never have sex again tbh it's just not important to me (but is very important to my very patient partner).

It's interesting, because everything depends on whether you wish to change. If the way you are suits you, and your DH is happy with that, that's great. I think the issue arises if you feel an underlying pressure or or like an 'effort' as you say.
I think most ordinary/typical marriages naturally experience lows and highs though, and that's pretty normal.

OP posts:
LauraTheOtter · 23/06/2023 23:30

ArbitraryHaddock · 23/06/2023 23:26

I had a 35 year marriage with my soulmate. Now that’s over, through bereavement, I don’t care if I never have sex or an orgasm again. I’m open to exploring close platonic friendships with other people of either sex, though. I think over time the world will be more accepting and less judgmental about alternative kinds of pairings or groupings. Let’s hope so.

Luckily ive never been judged. My ex wasn't hung up about it so things. have been ok for me, personally. I can see how it might wreck others though.

I read a book once about two widows who lived together in the 20's I think, and they had this awesome bond! I loved their life, even though it was fiction, it sounded great. They were not lesbians, just not interested in remarriage. Just kept a lovely garden, travelled together and painted in their little studio - bliss!

OP posts:
UpaladderwatchingTV · 23/06/2023 23:30

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being Asexual OP. I also think that a lot of women aren't too bothered about sex while raising their kids / running a home / doing a job, because a lot of the time they're simply too tired. Personally I found I got my sex drive back in my late 30's early 40's having started my family quite young. Then after about 10 years, and at the beginning of the menopause, I lost interest again, and have remained that way ever since.

However, I would like to reassure the OP that there are men around who would be happy with the relationship you describe too. Although we're all brought up to think that men would screw anything that moves, for the whole of their lives, that simply isn't true for all of them. So I really can't see any reason why, given time, you shouldn't meet a partner who is as happy as you are, with a kiss and a cuddle, but without the full works, if you see what I mean.

ArbitraryHaddock · 23/06/2023 23:44

LauraTheOtter · 23/06/2023 23:30

Luckily ive never been judged. My ex wasn't hung up about it so things. have been ok for me, personally. I can see how it might wreck others though.

I read a book once about two widows who lived together in the 20's I think, and they had this awesome bond! I loved their life, even though it was fiction, it sounded great. They were not lesbians, just not interested in remarriage. Just kept a lovely garden, travelled together and painted in their little studio - bliss!

Growing up I lived in a small village and attended brownies and later guides run by two ancient women (probably in their 50s) who lived together. Neither had been married. Now, I’ve no idea whether they were lesbians or just good friends, but they had a very rich life toge5her. Travelled, ate exotic food (like olives and garlic and Parmesan, this was the 70s). I never heard an adult make any joke or comment or say anything about them running the girl guides. I learned an incredible amount from them (this is when nobody I knew of went abroad for a holiday or had been to the theatre etc., but these women cycled around Eastern Europe, visited Russia and taught school in Africa.) I may be naive, but I actually believe they were just mates who loved to hang out together. And good luck to them and those like them.

LauraTheOtter · 23/06/2023 23:51

ArbitraryHaddock · 23/06/2023 23:44

Growing up I lived in a small village and attended brownies and later guides run by two ancient women (probably in their 50s) who lived together. Neither had been married. Now, I’ve no idea whether they were lesbians or just good friends, but they had a very rich life toge5her. Travelled, ate exotic food (like olives and garlic and Parmesan, this was the 70s). I never heard an adult make any joke or comment or say anything about them running the girl guides. I learned an incredible amount from them (this is when nobody I knew of went abroad for a holiday or had been to the theatre etc., but these women cycled around Eastern Europe, visited Russia and taught school in Africa.) I may be naive, but I actually believe they were just mates who loved to hang out together. And good luck to them and those like them.

ah, we will never know! they sound fantastic regardless.

olives and garlic and Parmesan.....my life in a nutshell Grin

OP posts:
Hawkins0001 · 23/06/2023 23:51

At the moment I'm the third wheel in an open relationship.

The other partner has the high drive most of the time.

My preference is I enjoy the company, the cuddles, kisses, ect. Although it's enjoyable I'm not fussed about P,i,v as I prefer using various equipment at times, I do aim to please when I can.

That said overall it's nice doing the mechanics but I'f it's just pumping and then zz so to speak, it's a bit plain.

foxlover47 · 23/06/2023 23:53

I can relate completely , I do fancy certain people on tv or in the media etc but when it comes to the idea of dating and going through the whole sex thing again it just doesn't Interest me
But I also wouldn't want to live with anyone again either I'm
Happy with my pre teen and dogs

eyesfullofstars · 24/06/2023 00:03

There’s a wide range of “normal” when it comes to libido. As long as you’re happy with it then there’s nothing wrong at all.

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