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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

Is this a “normal” sex life?

99 replies

Purplenurple81 · 22/01/2023 05:55

NC for this but it is a genuine post.

I’m feeling a bit hard done by and I want to know if I should be. I have a much higher sex drive than my OH, pretty much always have had.

For him, it’s generally too much effort (as are most things - another problem for another day).

But I manage to get by, mostly by myself.

This is how things are and I would like advice as to whether it sounds about right or if I am expecting too much. I don’t think I am.

Firstly, if I want any form of attention, I have to ask for it. As in literally “Can we have sex please?”
If I ask in advance, I get told yes, but then he makes an excuse or falls asleep.
He never, ever asks me for it. He stays up watching telly till 1/2am then comes up. So if I am willing to stay awake till then (when I have to be up for work at 6.30) then I can get some.

He is very happy to wank me off (and very good at it) but only if he is laying down and I have to get in the right position, he doesn’t move to me.

He is very overweight so finds PIV difficult but there are some positions it works in. But they are “too energetic at my age” (he’s 42!) so we don’t tend to do it.

He refuses to use condoms because they “spoil the sensation” so I am on the pill, but considering we never have actual sex, I generally don’t bother to take it because it’s just something else to remember for no real reason. On the rare occasions PIV is on the cards, he always stops and asks if I’ve taken it, which kills the mood, and if I have missed one in the last week, he won’t penetrate, he just stops and asks for a wank instead.

He will only give me oral if I am completely shaved, which I don’t particularly like doing because it is uncomfortable when it grows back. And 9/10 I go to the effort and he just doesn’t want to do it anyway.
(I can’t use creams etc because of an allergic reaction once).

But he asks me for it a lot, and I do it, partly because it’s the only thing he shows interest in and I hope it might lead to more.

But, and this is the bit that pisses me off most - he is constantly trying to feel my breasts, and asks me to go out in public with no bra on, or no knickers so that he can cop a feel whenever he likes. He has this thing about me having hard nipples and other people noticing. We will be sitting watching telly and he will say “Show us your tits”.
I HATE all of that and refuse to do it.

We both have busy lives, kids at home etc but I try to find time for us. We go literally months without sex. We probably have some form of intimacy 5/6 times a YEAR and PIV maybe once if I’m lucky.

He promises me the Earth but when it comes down to it, a quick fumble and he’s done.
Last night, both the kids were on a sleepover. So I told him I thought we should make the most of it.

I am quite kinky (I’m into BDSM among other things) and asked him to take control. He slapped my breasts a bit (at my request) then asked for a blow job. I gave him that, he came and then said “There, did you enjoy that?”
I said “What? We haven’t finished yet?”
He said “I have! And you got your slapping, what more do you want?”

Then we basically had a massive row about how I’m too demanding and how he can’t be bothered and I stormed off to the spare room where I’ve been since 8.30 last night. So much for my night of passion.

He refuses to see a counsellor, he says that there’s nothing wrong with having a low sex drive, and he’s always happy to wank me off if I ask, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask for more.

None of us are getting any younger and I’m seriously considering going and getting some elsewhere but I wouldn’t know where to start.

Any suggestions on what to do, please? Is this pretty much what I should expect with such differing tastes?

OP posts:
SunflowerTed · 22/01/2023 09:41

I think I’d have to conversation with him again instead of over sharing all these gross details. I’m not a prude but …..

CakeIsNotAvailable · 22/01/2023 09:42

I don't blame him for asking you about your pill. Presumably he doesn't want another baby. If you wanted to improve matters, you could look at getting reliable contraception in place - if you don't like the Pill, would an implant or coil be better? Certain types of copper coil last 10 years, so they're pretty low-maintenance contraception really.

What's your agenda in deliberately refusing to take the Pill - are you hoping for another baby, or just hoping to make him wear a condom?

rainbowstardrops · 22/01/2023 09:49

All of it sounds miserable but to want you to go out in public without a bra on so that people can see your hard nipples and no knickers so he can cop a feel is bloody grim!
Does he watch a lot of porn?

Aphrathestorm · 22/01/2023 09:53

Just leave.

This is soul destroying.

Icedlatteplease · 22/01/2023 09:54

You dont like the things he likes. He doesn't like the things you like. You just aren't particularly compatible

If i was a guy I wouldn’t be particularly keen on sex with someone who didn't take the pill reliably. I'm sorry but you need to be honest and say you don't want to take it.

EyesOnThePies · 22/01/2023 09:59

Is he staying up late to watch porn?

user8545 · 22/01/2023 10:06

It's unfair some posters are fixating on the pill. It's a chicken and egg situation, why should the OP be prioritising birth control, something a lot of women get side effects from taking, in order to have penetrative sex ONCE a year. I sure as heck wouldn't be taking the pill for that, keeping myself dosed up 24/7 365 days a year for something that happens less than my dental check up, surely if sex is so sparse as once a year it's the DH who should be using condoms.

If he actually started to make a bit more of an effort, then that would be the time to reassess the OP's birth control.

Joey69 · 22/01/2023 10:08

CakeIsNotAvailable · 22/01/2023 09:42

I don't blame him for asking you about your pill. Presumably he doesn't want another baby. If you wanted to improve matters, you could look at getting reliable contraception in place - if you don't like the Pill, would an implant or coil be better? Certain types of copper coil last 10 years, so they're pretty low-maintenance contraception really.

What's your agenda in deliberately refusing to take the Pill - are you hoping for another baby, or just hoping to make him wear a condom?

Maybe the OP should float the idea of the guy having the snip? , dealing with the contraception issue?

iamjustwinginglife · 22/01/2023 10:08

Aphrathestorm · 22/01/2023 09:53

Just leave.

This is soul destroying.

This

Why are you even trying to work out how to make this normal. It's grim-stop it!

LlynTegid · 22/01/2023 10:11

It is not normal.

Why have you not left this man?

pocketvenuss · 22/01/2023 10:11

He asks for a BJ a lot and has a thing about your boobs. This is not a man with a low sex drive. It's a man with no interest in your pleasure. In all seriousness I can't understand why you even want to have sex with him. He sounds repulsive.

CakeIsNotAvailable · 22/01/2023 10:14

Joey69 · 22/01/2023 10:08

Maybe the OP should float the idea of the guy having the snip? , dealing with the contraception issue?

Yes, that's a good suggestion too!

Purplenurple81 · 22/01/2023 10:22

EyesOnThePies · 22/01/2023 09:59

Is he staying up late to watch porn?

No. Fucking Wheeler Dealers, mostly or shit about yetis. That’s more desirable than me, apparently.

OP posts:
Purplenurple81 · 22/01/2023 10:25

Joey69 · 22/01/2023 10:08

Maybe the OP should float the idea of the guy having the snip? , dealing with the contraception issue?

Like we haven’t had that conversation. He refuses because it’s “invasive”. Short of frogmarching him to the clinic, I can’t control that.

OP posts:
category12 · 22/01/2023 10:25

Sounds awful.

I'd think about whether this is the right relationship for you. If he's as lazy and selfish outside the bedroom as he is in it, you'd probably be better off without him.

If it's just the sex, maybe ask for an open relationship and join fetlife.

If he's not really into bdsm I don't think it's on to expect that from him. He should say no to it, tho, and shouldn't be using it as a way to be selfish sexually.

In terms of contraception, if you're intent on staying together and your family is complete, I'd want him to get the snip (or when he inevitably refuses on the evidence you've supplied) consider sterilisation yourself.

Purplenurple81 · 22/01/2023 10:26

pocketvenuss · 22/01/2023 10:11

He asks for a BJ a lot and has a thing about your boobs. This is not a man with a low sex drive. It's a man with no interest in your pleasure. In all seriousness I can't understand why you even want to have sex with him. He sounds repulsive.

Honestly? Because I like sex and have no chance of getting it from anywhere else, is why.
Mumsnet is full of helpful suggestions that just don’t translate into real life.

OP posts:
Purplenurple81 · 22/01/2023 10:27

category12 · 22/01/2023 10:25

Sounds awful.

I'd think about whether this is the right relationship for you. If he's as lazy and selfish outside the bedroom as he is in it, you'd probably be better off without him.

If it's just the sex, maybe ask for an open relationship and join fetlife.

If he's not really into bdsm I don't think it's on to expect that from him. He should say no to it, tho, and shouldn't be using it as a way to be selfish sexually.

In terms of contraception, if you're intent on staying together and your family is complete, I'd want him to get the snip (or when he inevitably refuses on the evidence you've supplied) consider sterilisation yourself.

He isn’t put off by BDSM, he just doesn’t like being on the receiving end, but I do, so I don’t think that is the issue.

OP posts:
LaLuz7 · 22/01/2023 10:29

Purplenurple81 · 22/01/2023 10:26

Honestly? Because I like sex and have no chance of getting it from anywhere else, is why.
Mumsnet is full of helpful suggestions that just don’t translate into real life.

No chance of getting it elsewhere? Hahahaha. Have you met men? It doesn't matter what you look like, you sign up on tinder and you'll have thirsty dude lined up at your door, if sex is what you are putting on offer.

Do you have kids together? Are you financially reliant on him? Cause I can see no other reason to perpetuate the misery that this relationship is bringing you...

category12 · 22/01/2023 10:31

Purplenurple81 · 22/01/2023 10:27

He isn’t put off by BDSM, he just doesn’t like being on the receiving end, but I do, so I don’t think that is the issue.

Well he's a shit Dom then 😀 It's actually quite a lot of work and imagination if you're any good at it.

Either split up, or open up.

Mybumlooksbig · 22/01/2023 10:38

This made me so sad... watch Good luck to you Leo Grande and see how you feel after the film. Made me realise a few things... xx

Blueisthecolour1 · 22/01/2023 10:57

He’s lazy, & selfish to boot. I also think, from reading your post that he’s checked out of your relationship. He can’t be bothered to satisfy you or get up off the couch to do it FFS! Why are you still there?

StrapOnYourHeroHair · 22/01/2023 10:58

It’s not normal and he sounds like a prick. Not a chance I’d be hanging around.

Sorry, OP. This can’t be great for your self-esteem.

Tunnocksmallow · 22/01/2023 11:15

Oh lovely.

You need to have the conversation with him about him shaping up sex wise, opening up your relationship or you leaving altogether; because if you stay in this relationship, it will gradually destroy you and your self esteem from the inside out.

He is selfish. That’s the crux of it. He’s not concerned at all about you and your desires as long as he gets his.

And, honestly, I thought I would never ever manage to find a sex life again after a relationship breakdown. But, at 43, I’m out here living my best life! If I had known, what I know now, I’d have left years ago, not believed that I deserved to be stuck with a selfish partner.
Go out and live yours. You deserve to be happy!!

IlooklikeRonnieCorbett · 22/01/2023 11:17

Sounds dreadful, he sounds incredibly selfish.

millymae · 22/01/2023 11:22

Do you honestly still love him OP?
No matter how desperate I was for sex I don’t think I’d want to waste my energy having sex on his terms and I certainly wouldn’t be going without my underwear just so he can have a quick grope and others can stare at my nipples. Neither would I be removing my pubic hair because he wanted me to.
What you’ve described is about as far from a normal sex life as I can imagine. If I thought that it wouldn’t result in him causing you harm I’d be suggesting you got out the chilli powder and sprinkled it in his pants!