Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

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

Should I give in? (Sex-related question)

391 replies

TipsyOrca · 22/10/2025 08:10

Hi! I'm not a mom, so I'm not so sure if this is the place I can come to with my situation, but I figured I'd try because other forums I've given a shot have been disappointing or downright frustrating. (one word: manosphere) I hope I don't offend anyone by posting here.

Some background: current boyfriend and I have been together for about a year. Generally we have a solid relationship. We understand each other for the most part and I enjoy spending time with him. My attraction to him has had to grow; I showed an interest mostly because he is the kind of person I need right now, particularly after getting out of a ... rocky relationship. My ex was/is the complete opposite of current boyfriend, who is gentle, understanding, considerate, open to things I like and willing to try, too. While the physical aspect with current boyfriend has had to develop a bit, I was immediately head over heels for ex and the chemistry was sort of out of this world. In short, an overall very different vibe than the one I have with current boyfriend, which feels a lot more tame and safe in comparison.
I realized however that what I had with my ex was getting to me, it was unhealthy, and that I deserved more, better, from a potential partner than what I was receiving.

A couple of weeks ago current boyfriend and I got drunk together, it was a wonderful night. I made the crucial mistake, however, of getting so drunk I was no longer in control of what I was saying. I let it slip that I did certain sexual acts with my ex that I am not interested in doing again. There was no pressure or initiative from my ex there, it happened because I was curious about doing it with him. I am no longer curious about it. Ex and I never did it again.

This nugget of information has for some reason stuck to current boyfriend's brain, and, a day or two later: indeed, he asks me to try it with him, too. Says he'll be careful, will stop if it's too much, yada yada. And of course, the old, "You let him do it to you, why can't I?"

I said no. "Why?"

Because I don't care for it. I tried, didn't do anything for me, never did it again.

"But don't you think it's a bit unfair that you were willing to try, at least, with him, but won't with me?"

No.

Since then he has kind of been moping? Our sex life is generally not too wild, we usually do it maybe once or twice a week which is... a stark difference from my previous relationship... but it has completely died down. No sex. I know he gets off on his own, I have taken initiative, only to be cold shouldered. Besides sexually he has been distant emotionally, too. Did I hurt him or his ego so badly to deserve this? I can't imagine being angry in his place.

What do you think? I'd like to read some other perspectives from women, or perhaps people who have been through something similar with their partner?
Thanks in advance!

OP posts:
TipsyOrca · 02/11/2025 06:33

Oh, and about counselling. One of my friends recommended a therapist she saw regularly when she was going through it (as they say), I reached out to her and her and I are looking for a free spot to plan a first appointment. I can't say I'm not hesitant about therapy, but giving it a go can't hurt. Thanks to those who encouraged me. That was a push I needed, I think.

OP posts:
Thedevilhasfinallycaughtupwithhim · 02/11/2025 06:37

I’m so glad you’ve found some resolve and realised you deserve better.

anytipswelcome · 02/11/2025 07:42

Massive well done for putting your mental wellbeing first OP, I’m so pleased doggo is ok today Flowers

Dery · 02/11/2025 08:19

That’s a fabulous update, OP. Huge congratulations to you for getting away and standing your ground with ex. Hope you can get therapy booked in. Take this time to be single for a while and focus on your family, friends and interests.

CantBreathe90 · 02/11/2025 08:36

Great work @TipsyOrca ! How are you feeling now you're no longer with him?

Tassielassie · 02/11/2025 09:25

Well done OP.
Well done you.

DearDenimEagle · 02/11/2025 10:08

Glad to hear he’s an ex and the texts , espec the pic, show you did the right thing blocking him, too. Good for you and best of luck going forward.

BlueSlate · 02/11/2025 10:32

Fantastic updates, OP. The relief and lightness is palpable in your posts!

JFDIYOLO · 02/11/2025 10:49

Well done.

Did he try to persuade your mum to persuade you? That's called 'flying monkeys'.

Focus on you and your family & dog - build yourself up to help you avoid allowing another abusive man (however well he might disguise himself to begin with) into your world.

TipsyOrca · 02/11/2025 14:07

JFDIYOLO · 02/11/2025 10:49

Well done.

Did he try to persuade your mum to persuade you? That's called 'flying monkeys'.

Focus on you and your family & dog - build yourself up to help you avoid allowing another abusive man (however well he might disguise himself to begin with) into your world.

He did try to get my mother to change her mind. Fortunately, she did a good job at 'pacifying' him, telling him I just needed space; she's a lot less heated than I am as a person, so she's the good kind of messenger for a hard message to receive.

OP posts:
VickyEadieofThigh · 02/11/2025 15:04

TipsyOrca · 02/11/2025 06:30

Hi! Didn't think anyone would respond. I am doing well, thanks for asking. Things went over a lot better than I waa expecting (telling my mother for one, have also told a couple friends). So I think, about that aspect, I was worried a lot more than necessary. My ex has continuously texted and called, asking me to reconsider, telling me he regrets hammering on the sex act and shouldn't have. He did also send me a compromising pic after which I blocked him.. I didn't pick up any of his calls. So he went and called my mother, who, of course, did pick up. I'm kind of glad for it because his texting and calling was kind of scaring me. His convo with my mother seems to have soothed that a little bit soo... I guess I feel a bit more at ease now.
I stayed at a hotel for a couple of days and have been with a friend who lives pretty closeish to my job. That is what I've been focusing on to keep my head on straight, I guess. That and doggy.
For those interested: doggy is doing OK too. Was a little stressed about the whole moving around thing but it's all fine now. Nothing snacks cant fix. :-)

OP, did you tell your mother about him plaguing you for anal? I ask because if I'd told my mother I'd broken up with a man who wanted me to do something I didn't want to (I wouldn't even have had to tell her it was a sex act), she would have given him what for! There'd have been no "pacifying" about it.

PTown · 02/11/2025 17:39

VickyEadieofThigh · 02/11/2025 15:04

OP, did you tell your mother about him plaguing you for anal? I ask because if I'd told my mother I'd broken up with a man who wanted me to do something I didn't want to (I wouldn't even have had to tell her it was a sex act), she would have given him what for! There'd have been no "pacifying" about it.

Edited

This. Does she know that he doesn’t care that it’s painful, and that he has a divine right to “have a crack at it anyway”?

TipsyOrca · 03/11/2025 12:13

PTown · 02/11/2025 17:39

This. Does she know that he doesn’t care that it’s painful, and that he has a divine right to “have a crack at it anyway”?

Sex is pretty taboo in our family. If I told my mother about this, she'd be shocked, I think, that I even know that anal sex exists, not even joking. Nevermind if I told her I've done it before, with my first ex.

OP posts:
ReadingSoManyThreads · 03/11/2025 19:32

Him calling your mum would have me livid. There'd be no going back ever, after that.

Glad to hear you're doing well.

SomewhatAnnoyed · 04/11/2025 11:13

Whereismyfleeceblanket · 22/10/2025 08:15

As I guess it's anal - suggest your whim is to give him a good seeing to with a strap on. If he likes it he can do it to you..

This is virtually what I said to my ex - never asked again, it IS effective

ChaToilLeam · 04/11/2025 12:25

He's a prick for pressuring you into sex that you don't want and he's a prick for calling your mother.

Well rid, OP! Just keep clear of men for a while until you get your head together.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page