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View Full Version : Sexless marriage - or are we just too fat?


Unregistered
3rd July 2003, 07:45 PM
My husband and I have had our ups and downs, but we've always managed to work through our problems - even the really big ones.
We're currently going through a rough time. He's been out of work (not the first time) since March and I know he's quite worried about it. I try not to push him too hard to talk about his feelings because it will only upset him more. I let him talk to me when he feels like it - usually after he's had a few drinks.
Things have been a little testy between us, but it's the usual bickering that probably happens in all marriages (we're together 20 years).
My problem is, we haven't had sex in about 3 months. I can't remember a time when we've gone this long without it. Personally, I'm going through menopause and have absolutely no sex drive, so it really doesn't matter to me whether we have sex or not. But I know that this is not normal. Even when I haven't been "in the modd" in the past, once we get going, everything feels good and right. As for him, he, too, has no desire. (I find this hard to believe as I am of the opinion that men would have sex 10 times a day if they had the energy, the resources and the willing partner). I even said to my husband, "I thought men wanted sex all the time." He said nothing. We've discussed our lack of a sex life and have assured each other that "it's not you." We both feel about the same way. We don't feel sexy, although it has nothing to do with the love we feel for each other. We both have gained a bit of weight over the past year and feel like fat, ugly pigs.
We recently ordered a weight loss program. I told my husband that, "maybe if we looked sexier, we'd FEEL sexier." He totally agreed with me.
In the meantime, we enjoy each other's company, love each other as we always have, but just have no sex. Has our relationship turned more into something like siblings rather than spouses? Could our lack of sex be attributed to our poor self image of our bodies (To be honest, I find his huge stomach and fat, flabby thighs to be a total turn-OFF. I'm sure he doesn't find my flab all that arousing either! I know I don't.)
Would appreciate any advice or opinions. Thanks!!!

Unregistered
4th July 2003, 12:26 PM
Hi there.

It sounds like you still have a lot of affection for each other so maybe it isn't quite as bad as a brother/sister relationship just yet.

You seem to be feeling the same as each other which is a good thing but you dont say whether you both actually are interesting in getting your sex life back on track. Obviously you must have some interest in this as you have written here for advice - or is that just for some confirmation that is ok to have and want a non-sexual marriage?

I think if you are both happy not having sex then why worry? If you would rather get back that sexual feeling then you definitely need to do something about it.

I think its a combination of things happening all at once, your husbands unemployment, your menopause, the extra weight gain etc. Maybe try handling each of these things one at a time and it could all come back naturally combined with some quality time together.

Is your husband doing anything about getting work? Maybe he could re-train? Have you seen the doctor regarding the menopause and sought help or advice on how to maintain your sexual interest? Maybe try some hormone replacement therapies or some natuaral remedies? Why not try joining a gym together rather than diets which I find just make you more unhappy. Why not start going for some long walks etc. Do anything that you both enjoy and make you happy.

You both obviously have a really bad self image of yourselves. Your husband is probably feeling worse because of his unemployment which can leave some men feeling inadequate which may have an inpact his ability to perform sexually.

There are lots of if's and maybe's. Keep talking and trying to work through this. You both clearly have a lot of love for each other and sound like you are going through a combination of 'bad' patches all at once. You can get through this.

Good luck, Lulu.