Marroed women mentioning lack of sex with their husbands.

[ThatGuy23]

So on two occasions in the last couple of weeks women have mentioned to me that they aren't having sex with their husbands. One is a friend and one is a work colleague and these comments came out just in normal conversation - there was nothing sexual in it.

Now I know that they aren't suggesting I stand in for their husbands but I found it left me at a loss as to what to respond so I just ignored it and moved the conversation on.

What kind of response would you be expecting (if any)

Depends on the context. If they were complaining about it, then I'd just make sympathetic noises to the colleague...it's not appropriate to talk about that at work.

The friend...I'd discuss the issues with them. Make suggestions.

That's a pretty inappropriate discussion for the workplace. I'd not enter that discussion because it could open you up to problems.

For the friend I'd ask how they feel because of it and just listen.

It's not that uncommon though for men in long term relationships not to want sex and it causes no end of problems (as it would the other way around too), but specifically because women on the receiving end think they're the only one it's happening to.

Its inappropriate. ne does wonder what their agenda is. There was a flirty woman at my workplace who was not above being a bit touchy feely and suggestive. They fired her eventually.

With the work colleague I’d have ignored it as you did.

With the friend I’d have talked about it - maybe she wanted a male opinion because she is feeling a bit shit and hopes you might be able to shed some light on the situation.

Agreed at the workplace either ignore or say something like 'TMI - moving on' and change the subject.

Otherwise, if you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to. Or just say exactly what you've said here 'I'll be honest, I'm not sure why you're telling me that and I feel a bit uncomfortable".