Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Sex in EA relationships

4 replies

JabberJabberJay · 11/01/2014 16:09

My ex and I separated last year. We had been together over a decade and had 2 DCs.

I left because he was emotionally and financially abusive. But recently I have been thinking about our sex life and I feel quite uncomfortable about some aspects of it.

Forgive me if I'm not explaining myself well but I'm trying to get it straight in my head.

He would often comment on my body in a way I found embarrassing. He would call my breasts 'boobie-woobies' and jiggle them. I hated this and told him. He would then get very offended and I would end up apologising for my 'insensitivity'. The next time I undressed he would make similar comments.

One of our DCs had serious sleep issues. He never helped at night and I was exhausted. He would regularly complain about the fact we weren't having much sex. Consequently, I often had sex with him when I didn't want to because I felt guilty about his frustration and because he would sulk if it had been too long. Sometimes I got into it but I mostly just endured it. I remember lying there crying silently on more than one occasion. He didn't notice because it was dark. On numerous other occasions I let him continue even though he was hurting me. I didn't ask him to stop because I knew he would sulk and it was easier just to let him finish.

This isn't normal is it? Sad I don't know how to process this. I can't work out if it was abusive or just symptomatic of our generally toxic relationship.

My ex and I were together for 15 years and he's the only man I've ever had sex with so I have nothing to compare this to.

OP posts:
CogitoErgoSometimes · 11/01/2014 16:26

No, not normal. At best it was deeply insensitive and at worst it was sexually abusive. Emotional abusers are motivated by control and achieve that control by inducing fear & doubt and reducing confidence in their victim. 'Is this normal' is a standard response of an EA victim because they've been so wrong-footed by the behaviour. Sexual coercion is just another form of control.

I'm very glad you're not with him any more. Don't be surprised if you have other flashbacks of his behaviour. You might actually benefit from counselling... something like the Freedom Programme.. in order to line up your thoughts.

Lahti · 11/01/2014 16:36

OP Your experience is very similar to mine. I look back now and don't know how I just gritted my teeth and got on with it for so long. cog is right be prepared for flashbacks.

DevonFolk · 11/01/2014 16:57

OP I'm sorry you went through this. My experience with XH was very similar and it has had a huge impact on how I see sex now. My current relationship is the polar opposite to my old one, but there are things I can't deal with when it comes to sex purely because of what I went through before. My partner now is completely understanding and will never question me if I don't want to do something or if I have a flashback (yes they do and will happen)

No, it's not normal but focus on the fact that you're no longer with him. I think counselling might really help you.

All the best Thanks

JabberJabberJay · 11/01/2014 18:59

Thank you all for your helpful replies.

Lahti and Devon I'm sorry you experienced similar behaviour. Thanks

I have had a few flashbacks already. It's what brought it all back really. I'd spent years telling myself that it was no big deal and that it wasn't worth getting upset about. Now I'm beginning to see that is was not ok and that I am allowed to be upset.

I made enquiries about the Freedom program shortly after I left my ex but stopped short of booking a place on the course as I decided that he wasn't 'that bad'. I will look into it again.

Thanks again.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page