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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

Stuck in sexless marriage and contemplating leaving

110 replies

sexless422 · 12/10/2022 16:26

I am currently in a sexless marriage with my husband of 16 years. Both in mid-40s. We have 2 DCs, a teen and a preteen. Our sex life has dwindled to the point where we no longer have it at all. The frequency of sex between us declined steadily from approximately mid-2017 . It went from once or twice a week, then every couple of weeks, then hardly ever before it stopped completely. The last time we had sex was in August 2020. I have not seen any signs of him cheating or anything like that, he just no longer has any interest in having sex with me. I have had many discussions with him regarding this, but he just deflects or dismisses my concerns. He also never responds to any efforts I make to initiate sex with him myself - and I have certainly tried.

I've persisted with the situation until now because I was holding out hope that things might change, but unfortunately they haven't. At this point, it feels like wishful thinking on my part to think the situation will improve. I don't think I can live the rest of my life without sex, yet he doesn't seem to have any problem with that. I've started fantasising about other men, and I've also been reading erotic literature online about married women having affairs, whilst imagining myself as being the female lead in these stories. Also, I was in a shop the other day and a man smiled at me. I was flattered and felt slightly giddy afterwards. The attention I got from him was honestly more than what I am receiving in my own marriage. This does not mean I am about to run off and have an affair myself, and I feel guilty for even thinking about it. I've started making notes on my phone about lifestyle adjustments I would have to make if I was to divorce DH. He earns more than me, but not by much. I am now weighing up if having to make such lifestyle adjustments would be a fair price to pay for me to actually have a sex life (or at least some semblance of one). Do you think being in a sexless marriage is grounds enough on its own to contemplate a divorce? Am I mad for considering it?

OP posts:
Numnumbirdy · 14/10/2022 07:42

Could he be gay? I have seen a friend go through this recently after decades of marriage, finally coming out.

emanresuymevas · 14/10/2022 07:58

If
a) you have a sex drive/want sex and he has no sex drive/doesn't want sex with you

and

b) you don't want to repress your sex drive and he's got no interest - including accompanied by actions, words alone not enough here - in looking into why his sex drive has disappeared

then

You are both incompatible.

You cannot make him want to have an interest in sex. You can make it clear that you're not happy, the situation isn't sustainable for you therefore you cannot continue long term like this. If he decides to see the GP, go to therapy, then, take some other action, then there's a chance things may change. But if he's happy enough with no sex life - as in it's not troubling him enough to try and change the situation - then there's really nothing left for you to do then accept no more sex or leave.

emanresuymevas · 14/10/2022 08:04

Numnumbirdy · 14/10/2022 07:42

Could he be gay? I have seen a friend go through this recently after decades of marriage, finally coming out.

He could be. He could be asexual. He could have a porn addiction. He could have a mistress. It's actually not important in the first instance. The point is he's the one who has changed the marriage conditions in an area that OP cannot easily/morally get made up for elsewhere (she can't take up a hobby, spend more time with friends of family etc).

OP shouldn't spend her time trying to figure out why her DH has no sexual interest these days. That's his responsibility. Either he takes it and figures out what is going in and why and gives their marriage a chance, or he will lose his marriage. And that's a sad but perfectly valid outcome.

YRGAM · 14/10/2022 08:36

Have you had any large, unresolved arguments in your relationship? Any empathic ruptures or major betrayals? Any huge arguments in early parenthood? Resentment is a top tier sex drive killer and this applies to men as well. Often on Mumsnet, posters assume male sex drive is just totally binary, like men are penises on legs, and that if a man's sex drive goes that means affair, gay, or doesn't fancy you any more. This is quite a teenage way if looking at it, male sexualitt can be extremely complicated. I'm not necessarily saying this applies to you OP, but I wouldn't limit your thinking to what's been suggested in this thread so far

RandomMusings7 · 14/10/2022 08:48

Anothernick · 12/10/2022 18:41

Sex is fundamental to a relationship - it is unacceptable for one partner to force celibacy on the other unless this is unavoidable, for medical reasons perhaps. Most people have a physical and psychological need for sex, this is perfectly normal. It's odd for a guy in his 40s to lose all desire, and even odder that he apparently doesn't see it as a problem. But if he won't change then you need to put him on the spot and either he allows an open marriage or you will go your own way.

So it's unacceptable to NOT have sex you don't want? Does marriage mean signing over the rights to your body to your spouse? Do you know what we call unwanted sex? ... Rape. We call it rape...

Numnumbirdy · 14/10/2022 11:24

@RandomMusings7 nobody is suggesting that someone have sex against their will.

Guiltycat · 14/10/2022 11:31

frozendaisy · 13/10/2022 20:34

Stand in front of him say "I want hot sex what are my options?"

See how he reacts.
(Report back please)

I can tell you exactly what would happen. Not sure if it is the same in every sexless marriage or not.

Imagine your husbands face and reaction if you said that you wanted him. While you were in the middle of Sainsbury’s. And his mum is stood right there. And his boss.

That’s the kind of reaction I’d get if I said that when we were on our own in the bedroom.

It would either make him embarrassed, very angry or he’d say something that would make me feel like a pervert for even thinking about sex. After the first few knickknacks you just don’t want to risk asking anymore.

Guiltycat · 14/10/2022 11:32

Supposed to say knock-backs 😂

Sadgirlonatrain · 14/10/2022 11:33

Sorry @Guiltycat I really did laugh at knick knacks 😂

Jellycatspyjamas · 14/10/2022 15:43

@RandomMusings7 saying that someone (of either gender) has a responsibility to explore why their sex drive has disappeared before consigning their partner to a sexless marriage isn’t saying someone should have sexual they don’t want. It’s saying be clear about why you don’t want it (physical, psychological, relational issue), and if that can’t be repaired be honest with the other so they can make an informed choice about continuing the relationship on the basis that sex is off the table.

RandomMusings7 · 14/10/2022 17:10

@Jellycatspyjamas but that's not what the poster was saying. They simply stated that it is unacceptable to force your partner into celibacy just because you don't want sex. Which is just a tiny step away from proposing low libido partners force themselves to have sex they don't want.

No one is forced into celibacy. The unsatisfied partner is free to leave

Nitflux · 14/10/2022 18:23

Same situation here. DH just doesn’t seem interested, and I’m not either, if I’m being completely honest with myself. I really miss the feeling of wanting to rip someone’s clothes off, and them feeling the same. A handsome guy at work told me recently “you crack me up” and I spent the next three days obsessing over him. By Day 3 we’d divorced our partners, moved in together and were living happily ever after (not IRL, obviously, just in my irrational mind). All from that one comment. I’m feeling desperate.

PumpkinPicking · 14/10/2022 19:26

Sometimes I feel like I’m the only woman in the world feeling like many on this thread!! It is soul destroying to have a husband with absolutely zero desire for you. We’ve had sex 8 times in 8 years!! 3 of those times I somehow got pregnant with our wonderful children.

I don’t want to live apart from my children for part of the week and I don’t want to leave our beautiful home. So I was resolute that I would remain in the “quick hug/peck on the lips” marriage until our wonderful DC leave home.

A few days ago though I met a new (single) colleague who I find physically very attractive and he also seems to have a lovely personality. I need to keep my distance and remind myself that I have too much to loose!!

Guiltycat · 14/10/2022 19:51

Not sure how everyone else is getting on but I tried to talk to DH today. He just kept twisting every word back on me until I got frustrated and blurted out I didn’t want to be together anymore.

He walked out. Then came back. And is now silently completely ignoring me and moving from room to room to avoid me.

And I think this is why we are now at this point. I can’t say anything to him with it being a personal recrimination so now I’m sat here feeling like shit and like there is a thundercloud in the house. He won’t leave. He won’t talk. He will wait until I apologise for having emotions and back down again.

Strangely enough when he left I actually felt a ‘lightness’ and even started smiling again. I was almost heartbroken when he walked back in.

JustKittenAround · 15/10/2022 04:24

OP he could be a lot of things…..

This is about you. Society keeps trying to shame partners who feel intimacy and physical connections is truly important. The denial of which to those who seek it is highly detrimental. It hurts your self esteem and each day you keep yourself in this void isa day that your needs are unmet.

You can’t change this person. Determine what you’re willing to trade off or not trade off.

You know what you want and what will make you happy. You know at the very least what you have to gain and lose. Decide and make peace with it.

for the record I was unhappy sexually with my first husband and left. I wanted more in the way of a relationship that was up to my standard, and if that didn’t happen I knew I’d still be happier alone.

Whattodoagainandagain · 15/10/2022 07:38

Guiltycat · 14/10/2022 07:06

@pocketvenuss for me it isn’t just the sex (though that is a huge part, it’s very important to me and I’m not ashamed to admit that), it IS the intimacy too.

I’ve been doing a little experiment since this thread started, I stopped even attempting to initiate any hugs, my usual peck to say hello/goodness morning and saying I love you when leaving/going to bed/just wanting to.

So far he hasn’t even bloody noticed, and it appears the only time he says ‘I love you’ is just as an automatic response to me saying it.

Not sure what I expected. I guess at least an ‘Is everything ok?’ but I think I have my answer now. It’s the same heart rending conclusion others upthread have come to.

He doesn’t love me, he is just going through the motions as he can’t be bothered to start all over again.

He doesn’t fancy or want sex with me. Though if anything I’ve improved in appearance. Maybe he’s just bored. That hurts as the one who was always trying to spice things up in any way they want but just the way it is I guess!

And he just doesn’t care.

Now I have to decide if I can live with that or not. I think I already know the answer but the thought of a split family makes me hesitate, so I guess I am just as much of a coward as he is.

And I don’t want to have an affair. The thought is exciting because I am starving for affection right now, but I know couldn’t go any further than the fantasies in my head. Because I do genuinely love him.

Actually seeing it written down like that it is very clear what needs to happen. Separating is the only option left. I’m just telling myself that lots of children can do just fine if the parents can get on even when split. DH is very jealous (ironically) so I don’t think he will take it well at all, but better than if I’d had an affair and we split then at least.

God sorry for the essay! Turned in to narration on my inner thoughts this morning!

i know exactly what you mean

Sparkybloke · 15/10/2022 07:41

I was in a similar position. For all sorts of reasons sex had dwindled to zero. While it was not the only reason, it was a factor in our decision to part. We were not married. We remain friends...and a year on I'm still single and sex is not on the horizon...hey ho..

DisforDarkChocolate · 15/10/2022 07:43

I couldn't cope with this situation either. My first husband's lack of interest in me crushed my self-esteem. It's not just the lack of sex, it's the lack of affecfection and that feeling of being something special to him.

It is very much a good enough reason to leave a marriage.

DivorcedAndDelighted · 15/10/2022 19:50

Please read this post by clinical psychologist Dr Psych Mom - the title is about women dismissing men's frustration with lack of physical affection, but it applies to men too: When Women Consider Physical Touch To Be A Less Real or Important Love Language. I'll copy an extract here.

The woman (or the lower libido partner, which is more often the woman in a long term monogamous heterosexual pairing) often feels one of the following ways about her husband’s physical touch love language:

(1) Physical touch, especially sex, is like the “bells and whistles” on top of a relationship. It is not necessary, but is a nice add on.

(2) Physical touch, especially sex, should never be something you try to get in the mood for. That is icky and smacks of nonconsent. It should arise organically.

(3) Physical touch outside of sex is nothing that anyone “needs.” Sexual release itself may be a need for a man; therefore, any sex that is provided, even unenthusiastic duty sex, can meet this need.

It is interesting to think about how this would look if it were the woman’s verbal affirmation love language being discussed. What if the husband said:

“Saying nice things is the bells and whistles on top of the relationship. She shouldn’t need it. If I’m not in the mood to be nice, it is gross for me to try to make myself say nice things. She shouldn’t want me to force it. If anything, I can say, ‘You look nice today’ in a flat, dull monotone with no eye contact and this can meet her need for verbal affirmation.”

....

This... puts the partner whose love language is physical touch in a one-down position in the relationship, where they are made to feel that their needs are less real than the other partner’s, or that the other partner’s needs should be met before theirs are even considered.

Imagine a parent saying, “My child loves to hug me, but I prefer talking. Therefore, I routinely deny, minimize, and even mock her need for hugs and initiate long conversations about how she feels about me, her, and our relationship as mother and daughter. If she talks for long enough, I will give her a quick hug at night, although sometimes I tell her that her hug quota for the week is already met.” This would be considered sadistic and emotionally abusive

She has some great podcasts on related matters which others on this board have pointed me towards, eg look up Dr Psych Mom podcast "Yes There Should Be A Sexual Marital Contract ". She's fun and informative to listen to. One point she makes in the podcast is, would you want your children to continue visiting a friend who routinely misled them or denied their needs? Lack of sex is absolutely reason enough to leave, if it's important to you. Would you want your children to live in relationships where they were routinely rejected and felt unloved, by the one person who was supposed to love them and find them attractive? I had years of lying in bed alone while my husband drank downstairs, wondering if I was really that unattractive, thinking that surely somebody else would love to have me. But I didn't see a way through. Well, it turns out that there was a way through and I've got a new lease of life. The teenage children have commented that they can see their father and I are both happier with other people, even though we never used to row.

Your husband needs to know that this is serious. Put your cards on the table. If your partner values you, he can go to the doctor and to a sex therapist to try to solve the problem. That's what putting the effort in looks like. If it doesn't help, at least you'll know he had the chance to try. But please don't sell yourself short and settle for this when you're so obviously unhappy.

Yellowcat29 · 15/10/2022 20:45

I left my husband a couple of years ago as we had been in a sexless marriage for 7 years at that point. It was absolutely killing me. We’ve remained friends since and are good at co-parenting our children but I’ll never ever find out the reason why our marriage was sexless or even affection-less despite asking.

InDespairToo · 19/10/2022 14:25

Gosh same here, soul destroying situation. She wont compromise on anything wont initiate, doesn't participate when sex actually happens, no emotion, no affection at another time. I came across something called Intimacy Anorexia which exactly describes her behavior characteristics which i suppose gives me some kind of healing in that its some sort of condition as opposed to 'she just doesnt love me'.
Carry on with life regardless, i suppose. :(

Cyrrik · 05/12/2022 00:38

OP what happened?

Crazykatie · 06/12/2022 16:37

WHY, my husband became cold and uncaring, no affection at all for 10 years, I toughed it out hoping to would get better, it didnt, nobody knew whenever we were out together everything looked normal.
Eventually I divorced, he couldn’t understand why I wanted a cuddle.

pocketvenuss · 10/12/2022 21:43

@DivorcedAndDelighted I agree completely and have said exactly the same things in the past

JustAndy · 29/12/2022 09:33

I know this site is for women, and I am probably not welcome here, but here is a male perspective.

I am not married but stuck in a sexless relationship.
She blames it on medication but never had much of a drive to begin with, nor was open to sexually variety.
She wouldn't even let me give her oral, which I absolutely love and is a great way to pleaee a woman.
I digress.
I however, have a very high drive, and in my opinion, if you are both capable with the daily demands, you should be getting some action many times a week!

What also hasn't helped is how her son turned on me when we had a child.
She constantly takes the man child's side.
I even got threw out of my own home once, on his say so, just because he doesn't like rules.
I hate his guts and wish nothing but badness on him.
At 18, he is a manipulative, deceitful, obnoxious, parasitic, arrogant pig of a human being.
He has a way of manipulating women as well.
I could tell you such a lot about him, but I would wear away my fingerprints typing it out!
Put it this way, no matter what he does, even when the police were involved with him attacking a girl, he can do no wrong in his mum's eyes.
Where he is concerned, (and I am no longer quiet about it but vocal), I have disconnected myself from him.
I owe him nothing.
I have had to do it to protect my failing mental and physical health.

She thinks everything is ok with us, but it's not.
Where there was once love, anger and bitter resentment now reside.
I am a good actor and put on a show.
I am waiting for the youngest to reach 18, which is eight years from now, then I will leave.
Gives me plenty of time to secretly stash money away ready to decorate and furnish my own place.

When we got together, I had a good job, a nice car, a nice wardrobe, was physically fit, mentally well, and dare I say it, had sex appeal!
Even entered male model competitions.
I am a shadow of that person now.
I am now a carer of a disabled person who takes me for granted.
Her sister, says that my other half loves me deeply.
I find that difficult to believe.

My plan is to leave eventually.
But for now, if an affair cones along, then needs must.
I am human.
I have wants and desires.
At 47, I am not dead from the waist down yet!