Am I asexual or something? (TMI)

[togglebobble]

Regular here but namechanged because I'm embarrassed. Moldies, quiches, pombears, wolefs, I've been here a while.

DS is nearly 3 and I've been with DH for 6 years. He is a very attractive man, and I love the bones of him. I enjoy snuggling up with him, and we get on really, really well.

But tbh, our sex life has never really recovered after DS. We average about once a week, and I honestly wouldn't care at the moment if we never had sex again. That probably sounds really extreme, but I just feel that way right now. He asked me if everything was ok a few weeks ago, so I upped it to try and hit 3 times a week. I don't think it's fair for him to stay in a sexless marriage.

I don't not enjoy it; I just think 'meh' and don't get what the big deal is all about. I am capable of orgasm, and I do think it's nice. I just honestly, don't really care about it. I don't see all the fuss.

Am I asexual? Does anyone else get this? Will it go on forever?

You shouldn't be upping it to 3 times a week just because that's what HE wants. You need to find a middle ground. Once a week is perfectly normal you know!

dahlen but I don't know how to spice things up, maybe I'm rubbish?

If you can use the internet, you can find some ideas. Just be careful with your search terms or you may end up with more than you bargained for.

Alternatively, there are various books available on amazon or you could even see a sex therapist. It's no different from any other kind of therapist and isn't remotely sleazy.

I just worry sweet, that by denying him or rejecting him, that I might be being emotionally abusive towards him.

You could start by discussing your fantasies. If you feel embarrassed by that, tone them down a little and keep them simple rather than elaborate. Don't feel the need to act them out as this could actually make you feel rather silly, but just talking about them can add a frisson.

Dressing up is another way. Again, if this is totally out of normal for you, start by getting him to wear an outfit you've always found him particularly attractive in (e.g. a favourite shirt). Think about items of clothing that make you feel sexy. This probably won't be suspenders as many women feel self-conscious in them, but rather a favourite dress that you feel flatters your shape, etc.

Try having a meal together without wearing underwear.

Ban yourselves from having sex for, say, 2 weeks. Knowing that you can't have it takes the pressure off you, which can often increase desire.

Just a few ideas for starters.

Why would you feel that not having sex whenever someone else wants you to is emotionally abusive?

why can't you talk like adults with DH? he seens a bit pouty and immature. You can just explain that you do fancy him a lot but your libido has taken a dip probably due to the Pill still wearing off. Surely he won't be upset or take it personally then?

As I mentioned, try exercise, esp yoga/pilates - it can stimulate the body out of sluggishness.

But really you are risking losing any desire if you make yourself tolerate sex, if you feel like 'get off' you really shouldn't be doing it - sometimes a ban for a few weeks really helps. By making yourself doing you risk resentment/aversion to build up, so be careful! If he is intelligent he should go along with the idea that less is more - it may increase your desire longer-=term!

Because I feel continual rejection would be a bit abusive of me dahlen

allaflutter when I read my posts back, objectively, I do think you're right. I'll have a chat with him about it this week.

This is going to be hopelessly simplistic to make the point, but I think it needs looking at.

I desire my sister's car. I ask to borrow it three times a week. She turns me down. Is she abusive because she's ignoring my needs and as my sister and part of a loving family she should be more attentive to them?

Of course not. Because none of us have a right to something that isn't our own. And that includes someone else's body.

Access to your body is privilege, not a right. If you are unable to give it for whatever reason then your DH is entitled to decide whether he can cope with that and act accordingly, but that's as far as it goes. He has no right to expect you to have sex if you don't want it. Most loving partners will cope with a sex drought for some time before it starts causing problems, longer if it's due to reasons beyond their control (e.g. a medical problem) rather than simple loss of desire.

There is no such thing as right or wrong amount of sex to be having. Everyone's libido is different. Part of a relationship is finding a level that suits both partners. In cases of very mismatched libidos that can be a problem, but in cases where one partner would be happy with every other day while the other would be happy with every other week, the only acceptable solution is half way between the two. A compromise is only fair if it involves the same degree of compromise from both parties.

Right now, you're the one making all the effort. If your partner is pressuring you for sex, you could argue that it is more likely he is emotionally abusing you rather than you abusing him by rejecting his advances.

At three times a week, I'd say he's luck, toggle! I'm having some difficulties at the moment, but if it's once a month in our house that's good going. I struggle with actually finding the time, energy and desire for it full stop - the kids changed things hugely. I think quality over quantity becomes more important as your relationship matures.

lucky, I mean

I've always been a bit like this. I don't dislike sex, I just find it, a bit well, inefficient. If I want an orgasm there are much quicker ways to get the same result and touch wise I'd prefer a nice massage.

I have definite physical needs, but these relate to orgasm rather than any desire to have sex with someone else.

Feeling squeamish and 'get off me' during foreplay happens when you are not aroused enough to begin foreplay - in other words, when you don't want sex. This is your body telling you not to do it when you don't want to do it! Does your partner kiss and cuddle first, before other foreplay to get in the mood? Does he ever just kiss and cuddle if he is not wanting sex?
I've been where you are, and having sex that you don't want is going to upset you both more. Have a CHAT fgs! Could you agree to only have sex when you both really want it and see how it goes? You can be affectionate in between and you might rediscover your libido...

3 times a week is a media myth. Have sex ONLY when you want it or its an awful chore. He doesn't need it, he's being unreasonable in my opinion

I feel like this but is because I feel differently about my body since having had the DC. I don't like it much. I also feel like a mum too! And tired, so very tired.

Agree Iggly . I found it hard to switch between mum and seductress!

Plus I was shattered constantly when DC were little.