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CountryBride
Dedicated May 2019

Intimacy issues - 1yr of marriage

CountryBride, on October 24, 2020 at 2:12 PM

Posted in Family and Relationships 39

Not sure if this is the right forum to post on but here goes. My husband and I have been married for 1 yr now together for 10 yrs. Throughout our entire relationship there have been intimacy issues. Mostly on my part I guess. I am not really into sex that much. I have gone to a therapist both alone...
Not sure if this is the right forum to post on but here goes. My husband and I have been married for 1 yr now together for 10 yrs. Throughout our entire relationship there have been intimacy issues. Mostly on my part I guess. I am not really into sex that much. I have gone to a therapist both alone and with him and can't seem to improve my intimacy issues. I don't really want it or need it as much as my husband. I do it because I know that is what is done in a relationship and is supposed to make your love and bond stronger however I feel like it is more of a chore or job. I think the only time I feel somewhat comfortable and seem to enjoy it a little is when I am drinking/drunk.



This issue has caused many fights and anger in my relationship. My husband is very frustrated and angry. I try to get into sex but I feel like I am always just faking it or acting through the motions. I don't know how to make it better for us both. I am also a very insecure person and pretty shy unless I am drinking. I am most comfortable with sex being in the bedroom, at night, in the dark. Pretty basic and boring. We also don't have sex on a regular basis. Husband would like 3 times a week and I can barely get to 1 time a week. We are both later in age....41. Which doesn't make a difference to him. My sexual appetite has never been at his level.
Now there is the added stress of talking about and when to start trying to get pregnant. I have alot of concerns with pregnancy from not being able to conceive due to my age and the added risk of a geriatric pregnancy for the baby and me. I also struggle with still wanting kids. I definitely did when I was younger but now at this age I don't know. I know my husband does and he is the only child of an only child and has the responsibility of carrying on his last name....so there is also pressure of having a boy.
I guess advice I am looking for is if anyone else experiences issues with initiamcy, low to no sex drive, concerns about pregnancy etc. I have no idea what to do or if my marriage will survive. My husband was aware of my intimacy issues in the 8 yrs we dated before he proposed. We tried so many things to help from therapy to setting dates on the calendar to have sex. Nothing seemed to work and my husband is extremely frustrated and angry. He also does not feel attractive because I don't want to have sex. I tell him I am attracted to him but sex to him is the ultimate attraction and showing of appreciation. He has talked about getting satisfied by other ways(strip club) and even mentioned other women. I think both are a threat that has been used in the past and I would comply and give him sex and I would do a great acting job. But now I am having trouble and would rather him go to a strip club. I do love my husband. I just don't love or really enjoy sex. Anyone else out there like me? I can't be the only one. Makes me feel like a freak.

39 Comments

  • Phylicia
    Dedicated November 2020
    Phylicia ·
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    Please read her experiences on intimacy from last year; then we can discuss your opinion on the matter.
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  • Phylicia
    Dedicated November 2020
    Phylicia ·
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    Once again the option came from a combination of experiences of intimacy written last year and also this year. Not JUST from this post.
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  • CountryBride
    Dedicated May 2019
    CountryBride ·
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    Yes very true and I don't know how to fix that. He says I am not attracted to him. I tell him I am but I don't want to have sex and I understand why he feels unattractive and I don't know how to fix that. This has been going on for the 10 yrs of our relationship and I have felt it in other relationships. And before you ask I am not attracted to girls. I find Ryan Reynolds attractive but do not want to have sex with him. What is wrong with me?!?!?!?
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  • D
    June 2021
    Dj Tanner ·
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    From what it seems, and from what I read from your prior posts, it seems as though this issue has been building and building. There seems to be some sort of spark that continues to keep you two together. For over the years and before you got married it seems like you knew he wanted children and sex. He knew you didn’t like sex. Yet somehow you both stuck it out. Which would lead me to believe that there’s many other things that are fulfilling. If there’s not, then I would consider sitting him down and having a talkAbout where your relationship is going. It’s not fair to either of you to continue living like this. He shouldn’t be demanding three times a week, but you also shouldn’t be upset with him for watching porn if you don’t enjoy sex. It’s not exactly OK to expect him to just not like sex. I think the biggest decision would be for you to ask yourself aside from this one issue, are you happy with them? Sex issue aside, do you still love him/ does he fulfill you? If the answer is yes, then there’s got to be some purging on both sides here. And you’ve got to have a conversation about children. But if you feel as though you have nothing left then you may have to have that talk with him about how your relationship is going to go.
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  • Michelle
    Master April 2021
    Michelle ·
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    I’m in the opposite boat. My fiancé had a lower sex drive then me. Very frustrating & I thought it was just me, that he wasn’t attracted or didn’t love me. It took some very intimate conversations but we learned how to really talk. It turns out that his testosterone levels were extremely low. I don’t agree with the person who said don’t set a sex date on the calendar. My fiancé is a firefighter & works 48 hrs than off for 96 hrs. We’ve agreed that somewhere in the 4 days he’s off, we will be having sex.
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  • Jai
    VIP May 2020
    Jai ·
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    I agree with a sex date! Sometimes you have to. Like there are some weeks we both work overtime n we have to ask "what days you wanna go at it this week?". Works for us. Our sex drives are the same, except when my husband is extremely stressed then its low, but usually he utilizes a coping skill or talks to his therapist and hes good to go. From personal experience, I've been in a relationship where we weren't compatible sexually and it didnt work out. Sex and intimacy are important, and I'm sure it's hard to communicate needs when you're both on separate pages. Couples therapy, doctor's appts, hormone testing, and even individual therapy to really look into why you feel the way you do.
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  • Rebecca
    Master August 2019
    Rebecca ·
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    It sounds like you are asexual (also known as ace). This is NOT a medical issue, it's an orientation. Therapy, medication, etc will not fix this, because you are naturally not interested.

    Honestly, I don't quite know how you two are still together. You don't sound compatible at all, he sounds unwilling to respect your issues, and ... he wants kids but you're unsure? AND he's pressuring you?

    HE needs therapy, possibly couples' counseling, but...

    If you are healthy, but not generally interested in sex, than it is NOT your fault. His expectations are. I'm inclined to agree with Phylicia, here. Marriage does not, in any way, entitle your husband to sex. (...Who told you that sex is "what is done"? It's "what is done" IF both parties involved want it.) Your husband's demands and threats are way out of line, and your therapists should be focusing on THAT, not your low libido.

    Please, please reach out to a local LGBTQ+ group (Ace is included in the "+").

    ...I'd also reach out to some lawyers, but that's me.

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  • Day
    Expert July 2021
    Day ·
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    Please correct me if I’m wrong, but it sounds like you’re sexual appetite has always been quite low. And that it 100% fine! You deserve to be loved in a way that makes you happiest. It is quite possible though that you’re asexual... and this cannot be fixed with therapy nor counseling nor medication. Before sitting down and diving into learning more about asexuality, check with medical professionals first to see if there is any hormonal imbalance if you feel that you are indeed wanting to have more sex... and if you do want to have more sex, make sure you have an open conversation about what you like, what excites you, and your kinks. It might be the type of sex your having.
    Either way, have a serious conversation with your husband when you feel the time is right. Make sure you know how you feel before the conversation. Stay true to yourself!
    And girly, if you choose to have sex, you should not have to fake it. Make him work for your big O. Period.
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  • Pirate & 60s Bride
    Legend March 2017
    Pirate & 60s Bride ·
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    Him getting angry and suggesting strip clubs or other women is a big red flag! Please do NOT have kids yet—kids likely take an even bigger toll on one’s sex life and your marriage doesn’t sound stronger enough right now to handle the stress of kids.


    Please go to a marriage counselor. This seems quite unfair to you and honestly I’d be even less in the mood dealing with his stressful and immature behavior.
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  • Emily
    Expert September 2020
    Emily ·
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    You've gotten a lot of opinions and perspectives, so I'm not going to dive in a bunch. But I want to chime that there is *no such thing* as normal for sex drive or frequency. You had mentioned that you "only" have sex once a week - if that was what you wanted, that's your normal. But it didn't seem like that's even the frequency you wanted.


    For my partner and I, our intimacy is deep hugs and snuggles, holding hands, and yes we have sex about every week or two it seems but it's when we're both super into it and can enjoy ourselves. We've talked to gauge whether it's an issue, but there's no reason to try more if you're satisfied. Everyone please start talking about *your* normal and *your* intimacy.../rant over I wish you luck!
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  • C
    Super December 2021
    Casey ·
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    This!!! I don't know how no one else brought this up yet- this sounds like asexuality through and through. I also agree that it sounds like the two of you may be irreconcilably incompatible..
    Definitely don't have kids if you're not sure. Please, if you aren't sure don't do it.

    Also, while I do agree that some things you cited from your FH are bad (like pressuring you into having kids or expecting you to change suddenly because you're married) some things didn't sound as terrible nor did I see them as red flags. For example, suggesting a strip club or an open relationship is reasonable to discuss. If they really are empty threats to force you then that's not okay, but if he was seriously asking to discuss it as a couple then I don't see anything wrong with that. If you know you love him but don't want to have sex with him, then maybe you'd feel the opposite is true, too, and he could be sexually satisfied elsewhere and still love you.
    I'm not saying you need to be okay with any of that, it's up to each person and couples to decide their personal comfort, boundaries, etc. within their relationship. Unfortunately, these things are generally discussed and (in theory solved) before marriage or the couple decides to seperate.
    My advice is to not focus on trying to gain a sex drive for your partner, and discuss honestly whether you two can find a way to stay together romantically or go your seperate ways. He can't ask you to stop being asexual anymore than you can ask him to be asexual. I think you two must love each other very much and have both been trying to compromise/fix a problem that doesn't exist (because asexuality isn't a problem and doesn't need fixing) because of that love. I hope you both find happiness, whatever form that takes.
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  • A
    Super October 2021
    Ashley ·
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    This is what I was thinking as well! All too often asexual people think something is wrong with them, but there’s nothing wrong with not being interested in sex.


    While some frustration is understandable, this husband’s attitude is definitely not okay.

    The fact that he also is putting pressure to “have a boy” because of the last name thing is also a red flag.
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  • Rebecca
    Master August 2019
    Rebecca ·
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    *stares in kept my last name*
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  • A
    Super October 2021
    Ashley ·
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    Also, trying to manipulate you with threats over something you cannot control is emotional abuse. It’s not okay at all whatsoever.
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  • Erin
    Expert May 2021
    Erin ·
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    Also, i think people are only seeing sex as the issue here. ITS NOT.. i am seeing sex as the yellow dandelion flower.. you guys keep talking about instead of the actual ROOT of the issue... SHE HERSELF HAS SAID “i’m insecure, shy, cant talk unless i am drinking/drunk” those are red flags to me if you cant even TALK or be HONEST with your own spouse! Sounds to me like she needs to FIRST deal with herself, heal herself, build her confidence, i will take a wild stab in the dark i say maybe she needs to Hear positive, affirming words About herself from her husband, “you look beautiful/sexy in outfit”, “you did a great job with x y or z today” “i love you for you”... and i also will stab at her husband needing physical touch in order to feel loved ... doesnt need to be sex, It can gentle touches/hugs/caresses here and there, holding hands, rubbing his back, non sexual things can make a person feel loved, but if u dont address the real issues lying beneath the surface here, you will never fix this issue. Sex will never fix it. There are more underlying issues with this couple than just sex, and a “fixing sex” bandaid won’t do it.
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  • J
    Dedicated June 2021
    Jessica ·
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    Maybe I'm out of line by saying this, but it seems that you're just not that into your husband, especially when it feels like you're doing the most of the work in the relationship AND the home. From your last post (which I read through), it seemed that you're the one who's the breadwinner and takes care of the home. And on top of that, it seems that you face pressure to get pregnant! It's really hard to feel attracted towards someone who basically lets his wife work herself into the ground and then complains that "he's not getting his sex". Have a frank conversation with him! Tell him how it makes you feel when he says that he needs to find his satisfaction elsewhere. No one should have to be dealing with that in a marriage!

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  • Phylicia
    Dedicated November 2020
    Phylicia ·
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    Exactly ! I agree with this
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  • Mrs. Spring
    Master April 2021
    Mrs. Spring ·
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    Whew child, ppl are so quick to jump to conclusions. You held your stance well.
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  • Marcia
    Expert March 2021
    Marcia ·
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    First, if it helps you not feel like I freak, I don't have a particularly high sex drive (though, conversely, I am extremely touchy-feely). Also, your pregnancy concerns are super normal.

    I'm going to give some advice that is pretty old-fashioned and probably now controversial, but this is the way my religious community approaches sex and has for 2,000 years, so it may be worth considering as a perspective.

    Sex is a very important part of a marriage. It also is a gift that you give to the other person in the relationship. The act of sex should always be us giving, not taking, so the goal for the husband/wife is making sure the wife/husband is enjoying it, not looking for their own pleasure. For you, this means going through the motions sometimes. But for your husband, it means caring that you're not enjoying it, working on it from his end, and sometimes just controlling his own sex drive for your sake. That's what seems like the missing side here for me--your husband demands sex and even extorts it by threatening to get pleasure elsewhere. That has to be a huge turnoff that just compounds your already low sex drive.

    Our pastor always says that sex doesn't start in the bedroom at night, it starts in the morning when your spouse gives you a kiss, makes you coffee, tells you he loves you, etc. To be hostile or fight or be not loving and then demand sex is to ensure a terrible sex life. What is your husband doing to grow genuine intimacy in your relationship? What is he doing to get you in the mood? I can tell you, threatening to get it elsewhere is not it--and I can't think of anything more destructive in a relationship than what he is doing there.

    A marriage typically needs sex, but your husband does not need a certain amount of sex from you. Human beings are not slaves to their sex drives. Sex is for the sake of increasing intimacy, not for him to get off. His view of sex seems to me to actually be the huge issue here, but unfortunately, that is a common view in our culture and definitely among men.

    On childbearing, your concerns are very valid. I know women who have had successful pregnancies in their 40s, but a pregnancy at that age is always high-risk. I think the most important thing here is to start this process with a doctor, who can inform both you and your husband of the risks and also of the options. Your husband wants a child, but he needs to know that he will be responsible for taking care of you during a high-risk pregnancy. At the same time, I do think you should try for a child if the doctor says it is okay for you, as it seems like you were married with that understanding and children are an important part of the decision to marry and a marriage in general.

    Like I said, this is all controversial, so feel free to dismiss it. Just another way of looking at it.

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