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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

Leaving a sexless marriage

63 replies

plasticprimrose · 19/03/2014 09:57

No it isn't medical (he has had testosterone levels checked) or work/stress related he just has no sex drive. We have been married 15 years and sex has always been very low priority for him and for years I threw myself at him and we managed a pretty normal if not mundane sex life.

The last 5 years it changed where he would reject me if I made any advances until I got the hint and just stopped trying. He says he loves me, our life is pretty good, he works extremely hard as do I, but, it's just not a marriage.

I have recently tried to get him to talk and realise how unhappy I am, I feel ugly, old and now the growing bitterness and resentment towards him is making me feel quite ill at time. He again reassures me that he loves me, sex just isn't important.

I now find myself wondering whether to leave and start again. I do love him and even thinking of leaving fills me with panic, but, can I live the rest of my life without sex? I don't think I can. Am I selfish? If I was a man and left my wife because of lack of sex I would be a twat wouldn't I?

It is a very lonely problem, there is no one in RL that I can talk to, I have stopped going out with a group friends as conversation always turns to how they are sick of their DH groping/pestering/needing sex (lighthearted) I sit with a fixed grin wanting to die or cry or scream at them that they don't know how lucky they are to be wanted. I tried once to speak to a close friend and all she could say was how lucky I was not to be pestered for sex and how she couldn't make a cup of tea without her DH kissing her neck.

Sorry for the ramble I just need to vent, I fell so isolated.Sad

OP posts:
monkeytoad35 · 22/08/2019 14:48

Hi plasticprimrose I just wondered how you are, if you left and if you stayed did your sex life improve? I've not had sex with my DH for 5 years now and despite me saying things and giving suggestions he just isn't interested. I really want to end things as I can't go on like this, he is more like a housemate and it's been so long now it would just feel uncomfortable and awkward! Hmm

Tongo · 22/08/2019 15:11

It would be good to get an update on this as I’m in a similar position

Jabbercocky · 22/08/2019 15:49

OP - You are enabling him by staying.

He has learned that here is no adverse consequence on him not changing. He has learned this because it is what you have taught him.

People only change for one of two reasons:
(1) An obsessive internal drive, or
(2) An external trauma.

You have tried to instil (1). It has failed. You either quit altogether or you motivate him with (2). That could be a full blown affair, tell him (not ask) you are opening up the marriage, or just make clear and obvious steps to leave - like filing for divorce or moving out.

All these are drastic, yes. Radical root and branch personal change always demands it.

Or alternatively, you could just bumble along towards menopause, hope that it kills your own sex drive and practice not looking back at your life with a huge sense of regret.

Gre8scott · 22/08/2019 18:08

Im in a sexless marriage .its totaly my wn faut as i had no sex drive for years and regected my husband all the time
The tables has turned now as my new med has increased my drive to the point my in agony!but he isnt interested i want another baby but obviously no sex means no baby
It kills me every day but i dont want to leave because i dont want sex with anyone else but he doesnt want me

OutsideInsideOr · 22/08/2019 20:42

I’m in a sexless marriage too. It was always my H with the low sex drive, but we were intimate once a week for a long time, as I pushed the matter (we were both healthy and no DC). Then I got fed up of being the one to initiate sex and him turning me down frequently. It’s really very hurtful when someone who supposedly loves you says no so often.

So I stopped making any effort in that way, then I purposefully turned him down both of the times he tried to initiate sex just so he knew how it felt (before that I had never said no to him).

Now I’m not interested in him at all sexually. It’s like my brain has friend-zoned him. His libido seems to be improving. The thought of having sex again though (we’ve been married over 15 years) feels a bit inappropriate. He’s like a brother.

So I can understand the PP above mentioning about the tables turning. I suppose we will just carry on as is until one or both of us gets our heads turned by someone else.

Would love to hear how the OP got on. Did you leave or stay?

Bobbie3 · 22/08/2019 20:53

In a similar situation. Sexless marriage for 10 years. For strong moral reason didn’t want to cheat. Children grown up and left home. Mortgage paid for. Partner works full time. We both have marketable professional qualification. Think accountant and lawyer. So just left.

Best decision ever. Start again with somebody wonderful.

OutsideInsideOr · 22/08/2019 21:14

Well done @Bobbie3

How did you find the courage? And did you get a lot of grief from your family and DC? I always wonder what I would say is the reason for leaving.. it seems so awkward saying the truth. Interested as we’re in a similar situation, as in both professionals, not just together for finances etc

Tongo · 22/08/2019 21:59

Did you get your happy ever after Bobbie3?

Bobbie3 · 22/08/2019 22:13

Much happier now. The emotional upset was too much. Not holding hands, not shopping with you, etc. Gets you down after a while.

Yes grief from some ex’s family. From others and DC a case of ‘shocked but not surprised’.

Yes. Happy ever after but I found the right person.

monkeytoad35 · 23/08/2019 08:27

Ahh really pleased for you Bobbie3 and that you found someone wonderful! Just need to find the courage, although I know I need to do it, to go and find my wonderful!

Freshstart40 · 23/08/2019 09:02

Just want to add, I'm in this situation too.... so following the thread!

Laylajaney · 23/08/2019 11:49

Do you ever help yourself by masturbating.Maybe he wouls help you with this. If you love him it would be one way of staying together and having some sexual release.

Feckers2018 · 23/08/2019 12:19

I hate to say this but are you absolutely sure he isn't getting it elsewhere? I uncovered a very nasty secret life when I went looking. Be aware and not naive.

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