Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

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:
UpMyself · 22/10/2025 11:00

Whoever said 'even bad sex is good sex' was probably misquoted and definitely a man.

'No sex' is better than 'bad sex'.

TipsyOrca · 22/10/2025 11:01

Kubricklayer · 22/10/2025 10:59

I can never understand the drunk excuse. Fair enough if you were in the company of friends and blurted stuff out within ear shot of your boyfriend. But it sounds like the pair of you were out together and your drunkeness made you forget insecurities which will no doubt be clearly visible in your day to day relationship. My DW has insecurities about her weight (she shouldn't) but no amount of alcohol would lead to me blurt out she's not as slim as she used to be, or cause me to admire or comment on other womens sizes be that friends, family, celebs etc. I wonder if subconsciously you were testing your current partners jealousness and compatiability?

No

OP posts:
goody2shooz · 22/10/2025 11:01

Balloonhearts · 22/10/2025 10:47

I'd ask him straight, Why do you think its acceptable to pressure me into having sex that you know I don't like, I'm not into and was painful the first time? What can POSSIBLY be arousing in having sex with someone you know isn't enjoying what you're doing?

Then wait for an answer and ask him to justify it. If he starts with the its not fair and I'll be gentle shit again, just repeat yourself. How can it possibly turn you on, forcing me into a sex act that I don't like? What kind of man do you want to be?

THIS. With bells on.

TheExcitersblowingupmymind · 22/10/2025 11:03

I'll reiterate what pp have said he's not a good man.
All the harping on I'll be careful, I'll stop if it hurts.i wouldn't trust those words either.you said no and that should be the end of it.
You should dump him.

TravelPanic · 22/10/2025 11:04

DUMP! Massive red flag!

just because he’s not bad in the same ways as your ex doesn’t mean he’s good!

I think you really need to be single for a while and sort your head out. Get comfortable being on your own before you get into a new relationship.

GingerPaste · 22/10/2025 11:05

Unfortunately he’s now shown his true colours. I think the only direction for your relationship is downhill from here.

TipsyOrca · 22/10/2025 11:05

I've sort of figured I need to end this as soon as someone said it is quite strange he can get off while I just... zone out. It's not what I want for me. Not sure how I hadn't thought of it as strange before. I did grow up hearing from women around me that that's just what marriage does, but we are not married. It's been a year. So.
Does anyone have advice for staying NC with the ex while I get my own shit together? Stories or suggestions are more than welcome. I am kind of itching to reach out, for what I don't know.

OP posts:
WiseAdviceNeededPlease · 22/10/2025 11:08

TipsyOrca · 22/10/2025 08:44

Honestly, I thought: maybe I should just go through it, it's usually quick anyways - and after that we can go back to normal? I would hate to lose this relationship, even though, yes, this has definitely shown me another side of him.

Please don't do that, it's much more important that you keep your self respect than him. Don't let him bully you.

BlueSlate · 22/10/2025 11:09

Does anyone have advice for staying NC with the ex while I get my own shit together?

Yeah, don't contact him.

Block him and then delete him so you can't.

If you feel the urge to contact him, do something else instead.

If you find yourself thinking about him, tell yourself to stop being daft and do something else.

Look up neuroplasticity. You're only repeating the same patterns of behaviour because you always repeat the same patterns of behaviour.

Do.something different and that will become what you do instead.

Imbusytodaysorry · 22/10/2025 11:09

@TipsyOrca first point you are not that into him . You were as it felt safe .
It think this is wjy
your sex life is dull and why he has hooked on to the chat from when you were drunk . Thinking it would get things to where they naturally should be. .

However i agree as other posters have said . He is not a good man. He is not repapwcting you and pushing boundaries. He is not taking no for an answer and is giving you cold shoulder either as punishment for rejection or because his ego has taken a hit.

This want a healthy relationship before these events and it’s certainly not healthy now .
You need to end this .

Do you live together already ?
I think you need time on your own . Not another relationship .

IAmThePrettiestManOnMyIsland · 22/10/2025 11:10

Controlling and insecure. Pass.

YourWinter · 22/10/2025 11:10

It an exit, not an entrance.

Anal sex for women is not ok but a generation exposed to online porn assume it should be.

I would end this relationship, it doesn’t look likely to last anyway.

Hohumdedum · 22/10/2025 11:12

Just because your ex wasn't right for you and this guy is the opposite doesn't make this guy right for you either. You don't sound particularly in to him.

Also, having had anal fissures, which are excruciatingly painful, hell would freeze over before I did anal.

Kubricklayer · 22/10/2025 11:14

TipsyOrca · 22/10/2025 11:05

I've sort of figured I need to end this as soon as someone said it is quite strange he can get off while I just... zone out. It's not what I want for me. Not sure how I hadn't thought of it as strange before. I did grow up hearing from women around me that that's just what marriage does, but we are not married. It's been a year. So.
Does anyone have advice for staying NC with the ex while I get my own shit together? Stories or suggestions are more than welcome. I am kind of itching to reach out, for what I don't know.

Edited

OP do you have many hobbies, clubs interests? It sounds like you don't have alot of people you can rely on for emotional support and feelings of loneliness lead you to seek out your ex. I'd identify what existing relationships of yours have the biggest positive effect on you, and focus more time on them. I'd also consider existing/new clubs, hobbies that could introduce new people in your life that will be of benefit to you. For example, volunteer work might be good as it is usually conducted by people who are empathetic, non judgmental and have relatable experiences.

Imbusytodaysorry · 22/10/2025 11:14

@TipsyOrca you need therapy asap !
This is the help and distraction you need to keep you away from ex and to stay split from this recent guy.

anyolddinosaur · 22/10/2025 11:18

anal sex carries health risks https://www.orlandohealth.com/services-and-specialties/orlando-health-womens-institute/content-hub/anal-sex-what-women-need-to-know

Since you dont like it, and many women dont, he would be coercing you. Dump him. Block the ex.

Ponoka7 · 22/10/2025 11:25

@TipsyOrca you write down all the bad points of your previous relationship. What it has cost you etc and you go over it every time you are tempted to get in touch. There's a big world out there, don't just focus on these two men. Start to ask yourself what you really want out of life. Where do you want to visit? Etc, live a little, you are really young to be saddling yourself with a shit sex life or a controlling older man. I take it your childhood was problematic? Work on overcoming that.

Blump2783 · 22/10/2025 11:26

I bet he wouldn't be happy for you to strap a big one and give it to him.
I would tell him that if he keeps pressuring you then he can fuck off forever. I would understand a bit more if you said you did it with your ex all of the time (although still not ok if you don't want to now) but he knows it hurt you and you didn't like it.

Kubricklayer · 22/10/2025 11:27

GingerPaste · 22/10/2025 11:05

Unfortunately he’s now shown his true colours. I think the only direction for your relationship is downhill from here.

I also think it's unfair to say he's shown his true colours. Up until the mentioning of anal OP admits her partner had been gentle, caring and provided a reliability and stability to her life that perhaps had been missing for a large periods. Accepted trying to emotionally manipulate a partner into doing something they don't want to is wrong but I wouldn't say this makes someone irredeemable or amounts to who they truly are. We're all flawed but also capable of self improvement, so labelling people as effectively evil and abusive and beyond saving/forgiveness is unhelpful imo. However, clearly this is relationship isn't right for OP as she has her owns struggles that need attention.

Thedevilhasfinallycaughtupwithhim · 22/10/2025 11:28

He’s not a nice guy and you don’t fancy him. This is a worst of both worlds situation. Get rid.

GingerBeverage · 22/10/2025 11:28

Imbusytodaysorry · 22/10/2025 11:14

@TipsyOrca you need therapy asap !
This is the help and distraction you need to keep you away from ex and to stay split from this recent guy.

Edited

^^ Yes, therapy. The support you'll get from focussed sessions with a professional will be more valuable than any posts on here.

DearDenimEagle · 22/10/2025 11:31

You say he is insecure, that and silent treatment/ sulking and persisting in wanting you to break a boundary for him by doing something you hate..you have a monster there. The mask has slipped now and the only way is down. They can be charming and people on the periphery, like your family, think they are lovely. But they are not..it’s a mask they wear.

I actually moved away ..bought a house and didn’t tell. I just disappeared. I did that twice. Each relationship. Changed my phone number and blocked email . Then I created new email addresses for males who might turn into relationships…so I could just lose the email addy with the guy. Better than blocking.

WatchingTheDetective · 22/10/2025 11:32

Neither of these men is the man for you.

Your current boyfriend is so awful and I can't believe you hadn't seen it. He is so insecure that he wants to hurt you with anal sex just because your previous partner did. Asking why you can't just put up with the pain is shocking.

If I was starting all over again I don't think I'd tell a new partner anything at all about my previous relationships. I'd just say it didn't work out. Once you tell some of these pricks anything you're giving them a weapon which they will use to hurt you.

Dump this man and make the decision to spend a year without a boyfriend. You'll struggle with that, I think, but in that year I'd be looking at therapy and watching podcasts/reading books about abusive relationships and figuring how how I got here, what my family was like, what my friends were like, and how I wanted my future to be.

CloudSky · 22/10/2025 11:34

No, of course you don’t have to do something you don’t want to when it comes to sex.

But equally it’s a bit cruel of you to start a relationship with someone that you didn’t really fancy, sounds like you’re using him.

ESH.

redjeans28 · 22/10/2025 11:38

Kubricklayer · 22/10/2025 11:27

I also think it's unfair to say he's shown his true colours. Up until the mentioning of anal OP admits her partner had been gentle, caring and provided a reliability and stability to her life that perhaps had been missing for a large periods. Accepted trying to emotionally manipulate a partner into doing something they don't want to is wrong but I wouldn't say this makes someone irredeemable or amounts to who they truly are. We're all flawed but also capable of self improvement, so labelling people as effectively evil and abusive and beyond saving/forgiveness is unhelpful imo. However, clearly this is relationship isn't right for OP as she has her owns struggles that need attention.

It doesn't matter how many 'nice' qualities he has, coercing OP to do something against her will is quite the deal breaker. And then to sulk and punish her is another abusive behaviour. How can you not see that?