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Sexless Marriages Support thread

820 replies

Aishabibi · 13/04/2025 13:06

I’ve noticed since coming onto this section that there are a lot of us in sexless marriages. I wonder if having a thread to share experiences, survival strategies, sex toy recommendations, FwB set ups for those who’ve agreed to open things up or anyone that has managed to get things going again.

my situation is nothing from DH for over 3 yrs. he says he’s not interested at all, no urges whatsoever. He agreed I could explore a FwB, which I did find. Before that, lots of failed attempts to get him interested (lingerie, porn, and a growing collection of toys

OP posts:
BristolGuy44 · 06/07/2025 13:50

AlexandrinaH · 06/07/2025 13:48

My marriage has been on and off sexless for years, finally found out recently what makes him want sex so I let him do that to me. I don’t particularly enjoy it, but it means we have sex more than we used to. But last night it ended in tears (mine). I don’t know what to do, I just want my DH to want to have sex with me because it’s me, not so he can recreate porn.

Edited

100% this, I would do anything she wanted if I felt it would improve things, but as you say, I want it to be because she wants me not because of what I would let them do to get it.

ThatRoseDeer · 06/07/2025 17:04

NCdesperation · 05/07/2025 23:08

Are there any sites or apps, etc that you would recommend for having those flirty chats? I've been on IE before and found it a bit underwhelming.

I’ve got a couple of friends who are in open marriages. They use IE and AM for chatting online ahd meeting new partners and they’ve said they’re both good websites.

Eric1964 · 06/07/2025 17:10

In the mid/late 90s, I was in a horrible relationship, also mostly sexless; it produced two wonderful sons (I calculated that, from the conception of the first until I left, we had sex less than five times. We must have been quite fertile.) so I've no regrets. The relationship drove me to the edge, but I did have a counter-balance: during the 90s, I was a moderately successful stand-up comedian. I was a teacher by day but on some Friday nights, for example, could be found on stage in front of 150 'lively' Scousers, or similar and, in those circumstances, you have no mental capacity to ponder your troubles. It kept me sane, no doubt about that.

I suppose what I learnt from that was that it's necessary to have something in your life that is just for you and you alone, and has the power to take your mind away from the troubles and disappointments which colour your every thought and action. Very shortly after my wife's affair, which was a burden on top of the poor sexual relationship we had, I started to develop another creative outlet, which I won't reveal here in order not to 'out' myself but am happy to discuss privately. This outlet requires significant input from me in terms of planning, execution and what to do with the results. It's something I've built up from nothing, and get very little help with. I do it for me and for no-one else. It takes some time away from my marriage, which is time that I need. In fact, when I'm engaged with it, I forget that I'm a husband, and that doesn't mean that I'm chatting women up, because all of that goes as well. I get a little bit of encouragement from those around me, but not much; it's something that I may just possibly end up being 'successful' at, in five years or ten years, and it will be purely by my own efforts. It gives me self-worth and self-esteem and reminds me of what I am separate from my slightly dysfunctional marriage.

I've accepted the possibility that my sexless state may never change; if it so be, then it will be "the beginning of death", as a character in a Graham Greene novel put it. I'm not for a second suggesting that anyone else in this thread accept their sexless marriage, especially not if you're younger than me (late 50s; the '1964' in my username is not my birth year.) The choices for those in our position are stark: one of them is to leave our marriage and this is something that some of us can't contemplate. I don't think we all 'deserve' happiness. I do believe strongly that we all have the absolute right to behave in a manner which will promote our own happiness, and that those around us have to accept this, especially when it is they who are placing restrictions on our well-being.

What I'm saying is: you've a right to be selfish.

NCForThatForumM · 06/07/2025 18:22

"To be in one sexless relationship may be regarded as a misfortune; a second looks like carelessness."

Eric1964 · 06/07/2025 18:30

NCForThatForumM · 06/07/2025 18:22

"To be in one sexless relationship may be regarded as a misfortune; a second looks like carelessness."

Psychoanalyse me.

Itsbeeenhowlongnow · 06/07/2025 19:53

ThatRoseDeer · 06/07/2025 17:04

I’ve got a couple of friends who are in open marriages. They use IE and AM for chatting online ahd meeting new partners and they’ve said they’re both good websites.

Sorry but excuse my ignorance but what are IE and AM?

AlexandrinaH · 06/07/2025 19:55

Itsbeeenhowlongnow · 06/07/2025 19:53

Sorry but excuse my ignorance but what are IE and AM?

Probably Illicit Encounters and Ashley Madison.

Itsbeeenhowlongnow · 06/07/2025 20:41

AlexandrinaH · 06/07/2025 19:55

Probably Illicit Encounters and Ashley Madison.

Thank you! Maybe my naivity is what got me into the situation in the first place 😂

BristolGuy44 · 06/07/2025 22:00

Itsbeeenhowlongnow · 06/07/2025 20:41

Thank you! Maybe my naivity is what got me into the situation in the first place 😂

😂😂 I've been wondering about all these acronyms / abbreviations myself!!

Sadcafe · 06/07/2025 22:19

Sadly the usual weekend, no sex, no intimacy, no sign of anything that really resembles a relationship, more like two friends or siblings sharing a house, almost want to have a look on one of the websites mentioned, but is it the final admission that their is nothing left or is it time to acknowledge that is where we are at

Itsbeeenhowlongnow · 06/07/2025 22:33

BristolGuy44 · 06/07/2025 22:00

😂😂 I've been wondering about all these acronyms / abbreviations myself!!

Edited

I just ventured on there... Don't think I'm quite ready for that malarkey! 😂Back to the drawing board!

Sadcafe · 06/07/2025 22:35

Itsbeeenhowlongnow · 06/07/2025 22:33

I just ventured on there... Don't think I'm quite ready for that malarkey! 😂Back to the drawing board!

Have to be honest, I had a look, took a look at the cost and decided thanks but no thanks

BristolGuy44 · 06/07/2025 22:36

😂😂 I'll heed both your warnings..... for now!

ThatRoseDeer · 06/07/2025 22:51

Sorry about the acronyms 😂
The friends that use them said they’re free 🤔

ThatRoseDeer · 06/07/2025 22:55

I haven’t initiated for a few months as got bored of the rejection. Attempted again last night, but got the usual ‘too tired’.
I actually find it quite insulting and it’s not good for self confidence. I’ve told him I’ll leave it to him to let me know when he’s in the mood… I won’t be holding my breath 🙄

HairyBear82 · 06/07/2025 22:59

ThatRoseDeer · 06/07/2025 22:51

Sorry about the acronyms 😂
The friends that use them said they’re free 🤔

I’m sure she’s right. They are free… for women. Unfortunately, for men they have to pay an often extortionate amount of money. I think they’re quite exploitative, sadly.

Itsbeeenhowlongnow · 06/07/2025 23:03

ThatRoseDeer · 06/07/2025 22:55

I haven’t initiated for a few months as got bored of the rejection. Attempted again last night, but got the usual ‘too tired’.
I actually find it quite insulting and it’s not good for self confidence. I’ve told him I’ll leave it to him to let me know when he’s in the mood… I won’t be holding my breath 🙄

Yeah it really isn't great for self confidence. Not that I want to leave but the longer it goes on the less confident I get about myself finding someone else whereas deep down I know I'm not a total write off 😀

AlexandrinaH · 06/07/2025 23:12

Itsbeeenhowlongnow · 06/07/2025 20:41

Thank you! Maybe my naivity is what got me into the situation in the first place 😂

😂😂

FuckNugget69 · 07/07/2025 06:44

ThatRoseDeer · 06/07/2025 22:55

I haven’t initiated for a few months as got bored of the rejection. Attempted again last night, but got the usual ‘too tired’.
I actually find it quite insulting and it’s not good for self confidence. I’ve told him I’ll leave it to him to let me know when he’s in the mood… I won’t be holding my breath 🙄

That's the thing. Occasionally my husband will be in the mood (as he has been the last few days) but I become resentful that it's always on his terms and why should it be? He can see what it's like for me but then I feel like I'm cutting off my nose to spite my face.

I'd happily partake but then I'll want him more, I'll then feel frustrated and fed up. And so the cycle continues.....

AnonAnonmystery · 07/07/2025 07:01

@FuckNugget69 can you gauge why your husband is more in the mood for sex over the last few days than usually? Btw I am happy for you though I know at this point there is also resentment at the times you’ve been turned down.

AnonAnonmystery · 07/07/2025 07:09

I am also wondering if there is a study that links the hot weather to horniness ( I may just have a look today if I get a free moment), as I’m a nerd like that 🤓

FuckNugget69 · 07/07/2025 12:20

AnonAnonmystery · 07/07/2025 07:01

@FuckNugget69 can you gauge why your husband is more in the mood for sex over the last few days than usually? Btw I am happy for you though I know at this point there is also resentment at the times you’ve been turned down.

Probably because it's been a few months since the last time? He does become horny every so often but I'd say maybe a maximum of 8 times a year?

The drive is there but very very low. Had testosterone checks and all normal.

In every other way he's perfect. Loving, caring and funny! So I feel like this one thing I shouldn't complain about if it makes sense? I should be more than happy with my lot.

But I think everyone on this thread understands it's not as simple as that.

AnonAnonmystery · 07/07/2025 12:37

@FuckNugget69 no you shouldn’t be happy with your lot. Don’t feel guilty for it. I think for everyone on this thread, sex is important whether they are getting sex or not. I get you.

FuckNugget69 · 07/07/2025 13:53

Thank you. So nice to read a post where someone gets it!

I really am generally very happy with the marriage. It's just this one thing. But it's a big thing. Like one of the posters above (apologies I can't recall who and I'm working so can't go all the way back 😂) sex is a big part of me and who I am. A big part of me accepts this is the way it is and has been for the 20 years+ we've been together but every so often the resentment rears it's ugly head. And the grieving for the person I've lost and the sacrifice I've made.

Aishabibi · 08/07/2025 13:54

I found my FwB on IE. A lot of not positive encounters but better than FAB when i looked there; that was an intense place. I also had a more conventional ONS at work conference and although the sex wasn’t as good, I found it easier to not get feelings like I was starting to get with my ‘friend’.

all the way through I have answered my husband’s questions, and we have actually gotten on better without the frustration. And, last night, for the first time since NYE 2021/22 my husband and I had sex. It was hurried and quick (I’ll spare you the details - unless you want to hear them- in which case message) but it was good, so good. We have set a target for once a month, but no pressure as he has physically been unable to perform previously. I have said I’ll not look elsewhere while we see if it can become regular again.

I feel a bit hypocritical to have started this thread now we’ve actually had sex, but one swallow doesn’t make a summer (pun intended)

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