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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

What would you think if a BF said this?

92 replies

LuckyAquaExpert · 03/07/2025 22:48

"I'll sort myself out" when I didn't want sex. He said he was excited and wouldn't be able to sleep unless he could get pleasure.

It made my stomach turn but he's saying that it's more considerate of him.

OP posts:
JayJayj · 04/07/2025 07:33

I’ve said the same to my husband!
Either because he wasn’t up for it or when sex hasn’t gone to plan for me. It’s not a big deal. He was horny you weren’t.

JayJayj · 04/07/2025 07:37

FeistyCat · 04/07/2025 07:03

No it is not a myth. Google it. They experience tension and pain. Sure, they won't die or anything. But it's preferable for them to have that release. It does cause pain. Better off not doing something that will cause you pain and discomfort.

I’ve felt this as a woman. I messaged my husband once saying I was I was so turned on and horny my vagina was literally in pain. It’s happened a couple of times.

MightyGoldBear · 04/07/2025 07:38

FeistyCat · 04/07/2025 07:03

No it is not a myth. Google it. They experience tension and pain. Sure, they won't die or anything. But it's preferable for them to have that release. It does cause pain. Better off not doing something that will cause you pain and discomfort.

Many men report not feeling a single bit of discomfort. Some report a fleeting moment of tension. Everyone's body is different and will obviously vary but I would say we have to keep in mind that it's quite a convenient myth to keep alive. I think the key thing here is wanting is very different than needing. If I man is feeling pain he could also take some paracetamol or use heat/or cold temperature to ease the pain. Warm bath plenty of options.

FeistyCat · 04/07/2025 07:42

MightyGoldBear · 04/07/2025 07:38

Many men report not feeling a single bit of discomfort. Some report a fleeting moment of tension. Everyone's body is different and will obviously vary but I would say we have to keep in mind that it's quite a convenient myth to keep alive. I think the key thing here is wanting is very different than needing. If I man is feeling pain he could also take some paracetamol or use heat/or cold temperature to ease the pain. Warm bath plenty of options.

If I man is feeling pain he could also take some paracetamol or use heat/or cold temperature to ease the pain. Warm bath plenty of options.

Why on gods earth should he do all/any of that, particularly take painkillers when a wank will make it go away? And give him a good sleep to boot? Masturbating is HEALTHY, it's good for your health, doctors have said this.

Noshadelamp · 04/07/2025 07:43

Did it feel like he was saying it passively aggressively? As you've mentioned feeling pressured.
Was he moody about it?

MightyGoldBear · 04/07/2025 07:55

FeistyCat · 04/07/2025 07:42

If I man is feeling pain he could also take some paracetamol or use heat/or cold temperature to ease the pain. Warm bath plenty of options.

Why on gods earth should he do all/any of that, particularly take painkillers when a wank will make it go away? And give him a good sleep to boot? Masturbating is HEALTHY, it's good for your health, doctors have said this.

No one has said anyone should do anything they are just options. Masturbation isn't always a viable option for everyone.

Youdontseehow · 04/07/2025 08:00

LuckyAquaExpert · 03/07/2025 22:54

No, I just think it's odd as he never mentioned that before. He might just wait until it might suit us both

All men wank. If you’re going to get upset about it, you’re in for a difficult life relationship wise.

If it was said in a sulky, petulant then I can see why you might interpret it as pressure to have sex. Otherwise I’d have no problem with it.

fourelementary · 04/07/2025 08:04

Not all men DO masturbate. Nor is it a need that they need to announce. I think the OP has had a hard time (‘scuse the pun) about this as I feel a grown ass adult should be able to not have to announce their intention to masturbate as a response to being declined sex. It would feel like pressure or at least a kind of voiced disappointment in you as a sex partner… rather than just giving you a cuddle and waiting until next time when you were happy to have sex. As for those who merrily bang one out lying next to their partner?!? wtf? Unless mutual masterbation is part of sex, it should be a solo and private activity. Bed is fine if alone- but bathroom if others are around. It’s not like reading a book or watching tv before bed!

FeistyCat · 04/07/2025 08:26

fourelementary · 04/07/2025 08:04

Not all men DO masturbate. Nor is it a need that they need to announce. I think the OP has had a hard time (‘scuse the pun) about this as I feel a grown ass adult should be able to not have to announce their intention to masturbate as a response to being declined sex. It would feel like pressure or at least a kind of voiced disappointment in you as a sex partner… rather than just giving you a cuddle and waiting until next time when you were happy to have sex. As for those who merrily bang one out lying next to their partner?!? wtf? Unless mutual masterbation is part of sex, it should be a solo and private activity. Bed is fine if alone- but bathroom if others are around. It’s not like reading a book or watching tv before bed!

Oh come on! As the saying goes; 98% of men masturbate, 2% are liars.

Pennyforyourthoughtsplease · 04/07/2025 08:27

fourelementary · 04/07/2025 08:04

Not all men DO masturbate. Nor is it a need that they need to announce. I think the OP has had a hard time (‘scuse the pun) about this as I feel a grown ass adult should be able to not have to announce their intention to masturbate as a response to being declined sex. It would feel like pressure or at least a kind of voiced disappointment in you as a sex partner… rather than just giving you a cuddle and waiting until next time when you were happy to have sex. As for those who merrily bang one out lying next to their partner?!? wtf? Unless mutual masterbation is part of sex, it should be a solo and private activity. Bed is fine if alone- but bathroom if others are around. It’s not like reading a book or watching tv before bed!

Good lord, you have been fooled! 🤣 Do you believe the Earth is flat too??!

ComtesseDeSpair · 04/07/2025 08:35

fourelementary · 04/07/2025 08:04

Not all men DO masturbate. Nor is it a need that they need to announce. I think the OP has had a hard time (‘scuse the pun) about this as I feel a grown ass adult should be able to not have to announce their intention to masturbate as a response to being declined sex. It would feel like pressure or at least a kind of voiced disappointment in you as a sex partner… rather than just giving you a cuddle and waiting until next time when you were happy to have sex. As for those who merrily bang one out lying next to their partner?!? wtf? Unless mutual masterbation is part of sex, it should be a solo and private activity. Bed is fine if alone- but bathroom if others are around. It’s not like reading a book or watching tv before bed!

Some people are very comfortable talking openly about sex and masturbation and don’t shy away from it. OP is clearly not one of those people, but it seems her partner is. Neither of them are wrong, but it doesn’t make it “pressure” for one person to be happy being open that they wank sometimes when sex isn’t in the cards. Some people don’t see sex as some special and sacred thing which means settling for a cuddle only with partner until such a time they’re wanting to do the sacred act. It’s just sex, masturbation, bodies.

I wouldn’t masturbate in bed next a parter who found that a bit weird (though I’ve never met one who had a problem with it) but I wouldn’t be in a relationship where I wasn’t allowed to touch my own body when I wanted to and was expected just to be content with a nice cuddle until my partner was in the mood!

Sera1989 · 04/07/2025 08:56

I wouldn’t like it much either but I think it depends on the tone and context. If it’s said with a sigh or in annoyance I can understand how it would feel pressuring. It’s like you’ve frustrated him and his horniness is your responsibility. If it was said in a kind of caring “it’s ok, I understand, I don’t mind sorting myself out” way then I think that would come across much nicer and more understanding.

I had a BF who would say he’d sort himself out in annoyance or specifically tell me he was going for a wank. I am not against masturbation at all, but when it’s used almost as a threat it made me feel inadequate and objectified. Really turned me off and then we had even less sex. So when you say I felt awkward waiting for him to come back to bed I would’ve felt the same.

I read a really good book that changed my sex life called Mind The Gap - The Truth About Desire by Karen Gurney. It’s about how female desire differs from men - how a low sex drive is actually just a difference in desire, and basically what you can do about it. It was really validating and made me feel like there isn’t something wrong with me. My boyfriend was a bit resistant at first but then realised that going along with everything would mean I’d feel less pressured and we’d have more sex, which is what he wanted. However, he is a nice guy and the previous one who used masturbation as a threat didn’t have a good attitude generally (so the book wouldn’t have helped much as I just didn’t really like him in the end)

Goody2ShoesAndTheFilthyBeast · 04/07/2025 09:00

Id think it's weird of him to tell me instead of just buggering off to the bathroom and he'd better clean up after himself in there.

Poppins2016 · 04/07/2025 09:06

I think the principle of it is fine (why shouldn't he sort himself out).

However, I think my reaction would depend on tone.

Positive tone, "Ahh, don't worry about it, I can see you're tired, I'll sort myself out" = OK.

Negative tone, "FINE, I'll have to sort myself out then" = not OK/manipulative/puts the pressure on.

MrsSkylerWhite · 04/07/2025 09:06

I’d think he was a wanker.

I’ll get my coat ….. 😁

DontTouchRoach · 04/07/2025 09:07

Genuinely amazed that there are women who find the whole notion of male masturbation gross and weird and ‘would rather not know about it’. What’s the problem with it?!

BunnyLake · 04/07/2025 09:14

Headingtowardsdivorce · 03/07/2025 22:51

I'd think, crack on.

Yes me too. I don’t understand the issue 🤷‍♀️

BunnyLake · 04/07/2025 09:16

LuckyAquaExpert · 03/07/2025 23:14

I'm going through peri menopause at the moment. Sex drive has taken a nose dive but I've tried my best to be as interested as I can

I can see many people on here think I'm being unreasonable!

I thought you were going to say you were seventeen or something and new to it all.

BunnyLake · 04/07/2025 09:17

Poppins2016 · 04/07/2025 09:06

I think the principle of it is fine (why shouldn't he sort himself out).

However, I think my reaction would depend on tone.

Positive tone, "Ahh, don't worry about it, I can see you're tired, I'll sort myself out" = OK.

Negative tone, "FINE, I'll have to sort myself out then" = not OK/manipulative/puts the pressure on.

Good point.

TY78910 · 04/07/2025 09:19

LuckyAquaExpert · 03/07/2025 23:14

I'm going through peri menopause at the moment. Sex drive has taken a nose dive but I've tried my best to be as interested as I can

I can see many people on here think I'm being unreasonable!

I think this is maybe why you’d not heard it as a response before. This update suggests to me that perhaps you’re not in the mood a lot, so he can’t just sit there and not respond to his own urges forever.

Starlight1984 · 04/07/2025 09:22

I don't mind this at all and in fact, said the same to DH the other night 😂He'd been at his sports hobby all night and was knackered and aching so knew he wouldn't be up for it!

We do have a very healthy and active sex life though and are completely open with each other...

If it makes you feel like he's pressuring you then that's a bit worrying as I would say it's the complete opposite surely?!

Glitchymn1 · 04/07/2025 09:25

I wouldn’t appreciate the announcement personally! 😆

101Alsatians · 04/07/2025 09:37

Are you sure he wasn't trying to 'turn you on' - albeit very clumsily?

(Maybe giving too much away here..)

Headingtowardsdivorce · 04/07/2025 10:11

BunnyLake · 04/07/2025 09:17

Good point.

I agree, a good point.

BuckChuckets · 04/07/2025 10:16

LuckyAquaExpert · 03/07/2025 22:55

It somehow made me feel pressured. That's how I read it, wrongly or not

Unless there's more to the story/your relationship, I wouldn't see it that way. If I'm horny and want an orgasm, but my partner isn't in the mood, I'll sort myself out, I won't just wait until the next time they want sex.