I’m going to approach this article a bit differently than others I’ve written. I feel a need to address both women and men on this matter, because it DOES matter. It’s a struggle, whether you’re the wife or the husband. Both feel very strongly about this part of their marriage. This article addresses the issue of when a wife doesn’t want to have sex. But it also addresses what it is like for the man to be refused.
I totally agree with something Dr Phil McGraw has said on his television program,
“Sex might not be everything but it registers higher (90 percent) on the ‘importance scale’ if it’s a source of frustration in your relationship. It is a gigantic issue, if your sex life is unfulfilled. On the other hand, couples that have satisfying sex lives rate sex at only 10 percent on the ‘importance scale.'” (From Ten Relationship Myths)
For both husband and wife, it’s a huge problem if they aren’t in agreement.
First: To The Husband Whose Wife Doesn’t Want Sex
I can’t even start to know the frustration you’re experiencing. I’ve listened to men (and my own husband) as they’ve voiced their anxiety and grief and utter angst over this issue. However, because I’m not a man, I don’t really understand it in the same way another man would.
So, when I came across a series of articles written by Paul Byerly, and I saw the value of what Paul has written, I determined to let him address this issue from a man’s perspective. He and his wife Lori have a wet site called The Marriage Bed. Paul knows what he is talking about on this issue.
So men, please read the following series of articles posted on The-generous-husband.com web site (you may even want to question him about this matter):
• WHY WIVES SAY NO TO SEX, AND WHAT A MAN CAN DO ABOUT IT
And then here are two great articles written by Sheila Wray Gregoire on this same issue. Sheila addresses husbands, helping them to figure out why she doesn’t like sex in the first place. And then what to do about it. We encourage you to read these articles (and comments posted below it). Sheila does a great job in explaining things:
• FOR THE GUYS: When Your Wife Hates Sex
• 10 QUESTIONS TO ASK IF YOUR WIFE DOESN’T WANT SEX
— ADDITIONALLY —
Neil Black wrote the following articles, which you may find helpful:
• HELP! MY WIFE DOESN’T WANT SEX
• HELP! MY WIFE DOESN’T WANT SEX – Part 2
I hope men find the above series of articles, from both Paul Byerly and Neil Black, helpful!
Next: For Wives Who Do Not Want to Have Sex:
I realize that this is a complex issue for the wife who is denying her husband, as well. There are so many reasons why you may not want to make love to your husband. Some of these reasons may be lack of desire, his cleanliness, his demanding, abusive, controlling ways, which turn you off when you consider having any physical contact with him. And then there are pornography issues —either his or yours. Satisfaction is being achieved through false, sinful entertainment. We deal with many of those issues in other topics of this web site. Please search for them.
There’s also busyness, where you’re too tired to make love to your husband because of the demands of children, job obligations, household chores, etc. There are so many reasons why a wife may want to say no to having sex with her husband. Lori Byerly, of The Generous Wife web site wrote a blog addressing this issue, that you may find insightful. I sure did —probably because I have had to make similar decisions:
• THE SEX QUESTIONS — WHEN SHE SAYS NO
These issues are also addressed within other topics on this web site. Please seek and you will find. It’s not that they will give instant answers, or every answer; they won’t. But I believe you will find inspiration and at least some help to make changes that are needed in intimately connecting with your marriage partner.
Past Abuse Nightmares
Also, there is the problem of past abuse from other men and how it may be haunting you today. When your husband touches you it sends off memory triggers. These triggers may remind you of the horrible hurt you went through earlier in life. It may also have stripped your desire to have even a loving husband touch you.
I can relate. I’ve been there and have worked through that extremely difficult situation.
I write a bit about it in the article:
• WHEN PAST SEXUAL ABUSE AFFECTS A MARRIAGE’S INTIMACY
If this is what you are dealing with, there’s also a few other articles you may want to read:
• SEXUAL OBSTACLES: Healing an Emotional Wound
There may be other issues, such as addictions, and bitterness over marriage situations. Just so you know, we have articles on those issues on this web site, as well.
But whatever it is, please work on it.
They say, “Whoever wants sex the least has the most power in bed.” That seems to be true. If a lot of withholding is going on, there is a power struggle going on and the bedroom is “a lousy place for a battle of the will.”
I agree that there are seasons where we need to work on issues pertaining to our sex life together. But when it drags on to more than a “season” then there are problems. The Bible tells us,
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and like-wise the wife to her husband. The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.“ (1 Corinthians 7:3-5)
You had to have known that before you married that it isn’t good to deprive one another. Being intimate and exclusive with each other is all part of being married. If you wanted to withhold having sex with your spouse, you shouldn’t have married.
Perhaps you have changed in your libido or your desire.
Keep in mind that marriage is not all about you. This is a partnership. And just like your husband needs to work with you on compromises, you need to work with him on compromises too.
But be careful in how you do this. Don’t just lay there and let him be intimate with you, while you pout and think, “just get it over with.” That won’t satisfy your husband (or you) either. Marriage is about giving. It is stated throughout the Bible, that it’s more blessed to give than to receive. We’re also told to serve one another, with a good heart. Jesus was our ultimate example in being a servant. As we’re told in Philippians 2 we’re to, “have this same attitude as Christ Jesus.“
You know deep in your heart if you’re being difficult with your husband. You also should know that you’re asking more of him than you should if you keep rejecting him sexually. And yet you’re expecting him to be celibate because you also expect him to stay faithful in all ways.
Yes, he should stay faithful.
That’s what God expects of him too. But if you are not being intimate with him if he wants and needs you, you’re putting temptation in front of him. You’re putting him in a corner where he can feel trapped. He can’t be intimate with you and yet he has needs. A life sentence of celibacy can be a frightening life for someone who needs that connection with the one he loves and wants. His sexual desires won’t quit plaguing him, just because you say no.
I have to admit that there have been times when I didn’t “want it” when my husband approached me. There was even a LONG period of time when I was dealing with past sexual issues where I denied my husband. I now know that I was wrong in what I did and what I expected of him. I know I didn’t have to to meet his every need when I was hurting so deeply inside. But I needed help to get past the mental torture I was experiencing, and it was wrong of me not to get it. We didn’t have to stay stuck in that place for so long.
My husband pleaded with me and I just looked the other way thinking, “He just needs to control himself. He should understand how painful this is for me.”
A Time for Everything
Yes, it wouldn’t have been too much to ask my husband to “control himself” for a period of time while I was in the depths of therapy. And yes, as my marital partner, he should understand (to a certain degree) how painful this was for me. But I took it way beyond reasonable. Steve really COULDN’T understand my reactions or the depth of my pain. And even if he tried to understand (which he did), I still needed professional help to work through my issues. And then we could work together on ours so this wasn’t something that would go on and on without an end in sight.
I was being unreasonable in my expectations of him. He married me in good faith that we would be marriage partners. Yet I was withdrawing an important connection in that partnership. And whether it was because of past abuse or whatever, it was not reasonable for me to ask my husband to stay pure and not be with me either. I feel that is true in most marriages (unless there are untreatable physical reasons).
Work on your issues.
If there are treatable physical, emotional, or whatever reasons why you can’t get together, please work on them. Don’t deny your spouse and sentence him to a life without you or anyone else. He wants you and no one else. Please work on your issues.
If the reason you can’t be with him is because of physical pain or because of some other physical reason, then work with doctors on this. If it truthfully can’t be medically resolved, then look for other ways to satisfy him. But do it with a good attitude. And if you can’t do things in a “conventional” method because of physical limitations, then find ways to satisfy each other in other ways. Be creative.
The important thing is that you are together, as a man and wife. Just don’t allow any other human being to be involved with both of you (either physically or visually), in your time together. This is YOUR time to be together. Please don’t ask your husband to lead a celibate life if that is not what he desires.
There was a long, long (unreasonably long) season where I pulled back from being intimate with my husband. Eventually, I woke up and realized that I had a good guy that I married. He didn’t deserve to be another victim to what had happened to me in the past. I sought for, and received the emotional help I needed to work through my issues. We eventually came together, and have loved on each other since.
Helpful Resources:
There have been a few dry spells, even after I dealt with my past, where I haven’t wanted it as much as my husband desired. The book, Sacred Sex: A Spiritual Celebration of Oneness in Marriage
God showed me I am not to deny my husband when he needs to be close to me, whenever it is possible. Yes, some times I fall into bed exhausted or I’m not feeling well, and then it happens; he approaches me. But instead of totally denying him, I either offer a “quickie” or ask him if we can be together at another time. (And I make sure it’s soon.) My husband is a reasonable man and that has worked for us.
But what if you don’t feel like it?
If it’s just because I don’t “feel like it” —even then, I offer the same. But most of the time, even if I don’t feel like it, I’ve learned to pray. I ask God to give me the desire. There is a spiritual component involved, when my husband and I are intimate together.
I’ve had times where I’ve started out with NO desire to make love to my husband when he has needed it. But eventually, I’m totally into it as I pray and concentrate on lavishing him with love, coming from a heart filled with the love of God. I’m enjoying loving my husband as much as he is in loving me. Making love then becomes TOTALLY satisfying and enjoyable. I never knew that God would answer that type of prayer, but He does!
Here’s a quote from Sheila Wray Gregoire to consider:
How often have you done this? You’re lying in bed, feeling guilty, wondering, ‘Is he expecting something tonight?’ And then your brain goes into overdrive. ‘Do I feel like it? I don’t know. Is he due? How many days has it been, anyway? If we start right this moment, how many hours of sleep will I still get?’ If you had started making love in the beginning, the silly thing is, you’d be asleep by now! We women often forget that our sex drives are primarily in our brains.
“Unlike for our husbands, arousal usually comes after you start making love, not before. But instead of jumping in, we tend to overanalyze things. Tonight, silence all those thoughts running through your head, and just decide, I am going to feel good, and I am going to feel close to my husband! When you are mentally excited about having sex, your whole body tends to follow. So stop thinking so much, and start doing!”
I hope what I’m writing here helps in some way. I know that there are circumstances where we just don’t want it. And most husbands have those times too. But please make it your mission to work on whatever it is that’s blocking the way of intimately connecting with your marriage partner in this way.
In closing:
Please prayerfully consider something that was written in the above mentioned book, Intimate Issues:
“Making the right decision is never easy but there are benefits to adopting the right attitude. When we choose to love selflessly, we honor God, we make our husbands happy, and we find more pleasure in our lovemaking.
“Dying to self is difficult, but it is necessary if you want to grow in godliness. Being godly means having a godly attitude. Godly attitudes result in godly actions, such as giving your body to your husband. This is easier if you surrender to God and allow His Spirit to work within you. ‘Nothing is impossible with God‘ (Luke 1:37, NIV). God is able to give you desire where none existed before. He can help you exchange wrong thinking with godly thinking. And God can cause you to enjoy deeper intimacy than you ever thought possible.
“God, I confess that I have not always appreciated Your gift of sex —or even wanted it. I have shunned You and withheld my body from my husband. Forgive me. I want to be a willing and creative lover —but it’s hard. Please stir up in me passion and desire for my husband. help me get my mind off myself to You and humbly ask that You begin now to work in me.”
Cindy Wright of Marriage Missions International wrote this article.
Filed under: Sexual Issues
My wife charges me for sex ? Why is this?
Does she pay you for things you do?
Is sex really that important? And how is a good Christian girl supposed to learn how to please her husband? All those books demonstrating it are just another form of pornography…
Hi Audrey, As a husband of 36 years, I would answer your first question with, “Yes, actually, it is that important.” for both the husband and the wife.
Regarding your second question, I would say, that there is very good literature to be found which treat this difficult subject with Godly respect and accuracy. I recall the title “Intended for Pleasure” but I forget the author, and I have a book here with the title “Destined for Intimacy” (God’s beautiful blueprint for husband and wife) by Jane Hansen & Marie Powers. (I am translating the title from Dutch to English, sorry) This title could also read “Intended for Intimacy.” In general, honest open dialogue on a frequent basis, where each partner listens at least as much as that partner speaks, is always a positive thing :)
I believe it is true that while women tend to be open to physical intimacy when other things are in place, such as verbal sharing, emotional connectedness, romantic outings, etc. for men it is the other way around- the men tend to be more open to verbal sharing, emotional connectedness, romantic outings, etc. when physical intimacy is regular and mutually positive.
When the wife refuses physical intimacy too often, we men feel lonely, unloved, and vulnerable. This may sounds strange, but I can tell you it is true. Of course we men need to be cognizant of the mentrual cycle, the stressful day, a cold or headache, of course…..
The following websites state this far better than I can. When I first viewed them, by reaction was, YES, very true!! See what you think?
http://www.marriagehelper.com/sexual-rejection-effect-on-marriage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep2MAx95m20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFPajbFhSOc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-9cIZbOr_w
I hope this helps…. WP (Work in Progress)
Yes, Audrey, sex really IS important, if it is important to one of you. Remember, you are marriage partners. You are not to approach marriage with a single mindset. It may not seem like it to you, or to others who don’t enjoy sex as much as their marital partners, that it’s important but it is. It’s like a type of glue that cements you together. Your question is a lot like my asking, “is talking together, holding hands, hugging, walking together and communicating really important in a marriage?” To that you would most likely say yes. That’s because that’s how you feel intimately connected to your husband. He is wired differently than you. To him, when you make love to him and express your pleasure in him, that is when he feels most intimately connected to you. It’s equivalent to the best talk ever that you would want to have with your husband.
Here’s a video that I recommend you watch that may explain this a bit better: https://marriagemissions.com/wisdom-christian-wives-regarding-sex-sarah-eggerichs/. There are two books that may also explain this better than I can in this shortened format. One of them is the book, Sacred Sex: A Spiritual Celebration of Oneness in Marriage written by Tim Alan Gardner. It’s a great book that better explains the intimacy God intends us to experience as we join together as “one” physically. The other is Intimate Issues: Twenty-One Questions Christian Women Ask About Sex written by Linda Dillow. This book totally turned me around in my understanding of the importance of sex in marriage —both of these books, actually.
You also ask, “how is a good Christian girl supposed to learn how to please her husband?” My answer is, when you marry, you stop being a girl and approach your marriage as a woman —one that is empowered by God to please her husband (as he is to please his wife), as led by God. Marriage isn’t for children —it’s for grown-ups.
I don’t know if you are asking this as a married gal or one who is contemplating marriage. But that is my answer. The sexual side of marriage is very complex, just like the Bible says that marriage is a mystery. This side of marriage is mysterious, to say the least when you try to make sense of it. As a “Christian girl” you needed to not be intimate with the man you loved. But as a Christian married woman, you ask God to show you how to love your husband with your heart and your body. I would never recommend books that aren’t Christian, on the topic of sex because the world has perverted sexual issues. But those that are published for Christian spouses are more like text books on how to do it right, rather than the wrong way —man’s way, rather than God’s.
It’s all good in the marriage bed… all sanctioned and sanctified, EXCEPT if one spouse or both brings any other person into the bed with them —whether physically, emotionally, or through images. (If one spouse is into pornographic stuff —images and videos that cause them to approach their love making in a perverted way, then there are problems, otherwise, go for it). The marriage bed is for exploration of a husband and wife with no one else involved. Whatever both of them agree upon is fine. ENJOY!!! Let down your inhibitions and unite with your marriage partner. If you’re having a difficult time with this then silently pray that God will help you to love your husband and enjoy the man He gave you. I’ve done that before and it’s amazing how God answers prayer in such a blessed way. You can feel closer to your spouse than ever before.
We have a lot of things posted on this web site in the “Sexual Issues” topic that I encourage you to read along with the books I recommended. Ask God to help you to stop withholding yourself in the marriage bed, like you needed to do before marriage. Marital sex is “good” where the other is not what you’re supposed to do. Let go and enjoy your husband. I hope you can let yourself and you will. I pray that for you.
It’s about pleasing each other.
I love sex, but I haven’t had sex with my husband in months. Part of the reason is that we have 2 little ones and they sleep in our bed. But also, my husband is so overweight and I’m pretty fit. It’s very important to me and I’ve expressed this to him, but he doesn’t do much about it. I am very resentful.
Speaking from a male perspective, with a few extra pounds, withholding sex further complicates the issue sending some men into a state of depression who turn to food for pleasure to distract from the lack of sexual satisfaction. Do you find he often eats in the evenings?
Having two little ones sleeping in your bed also isn’t healthy for your marriage (nor the kids) and I’m sure your husband has displayed frustration with this? If this is something you encourage it may be perceived by him that you intentionally use the kids as pawns to avoid being intimate. This deflates men, the feeling of being unloved or unwanted turns their attention elsewhere.
If this is only to food you are lucky, some men have more enjoyable and intimate interactions, not in a perverse sexual way, with women at work or at the grocery store. It gets to the point that a friendly touch on the arm from a waitress is more ‘intimacy’ than he receives from home which leads to thoughts of others outside of marriage. The irony is wives often find this appalling while contributing to the condition.
Speaking for many men I can say regular sexual activity fulfills a physical and emotional need and keeps husbands on the straight and narrow. It lessens if not eliminates thoughts of others or any physiological cravings.
I would bet if your husband had the choice of engaged intimacy with his wife, not just ‘letting him do it’, he would rather that over food any night.
I pray the two of you can come together and resolve any outstanding marital issues which may be preventing a satisfying intimate sex life as God intended.
I will never, under no circumstances have sex with my husband ever again. He is a complete jerk and I hate him. I only stay because I am biblically trapped!!!
Marge, How is staying with him more biblically “right” than hating him? Do you pray for him? You are viewing him as your enemy and we’re told in the Bible NOT to hate, but to pray for our enemies. I hope you are. I don’t know how much of a “jerk” your husband is, but I can tell you that you are not doing God any favors by hating and yet staying. Please prayerfully consider this.
I truly am sorry that your husband is not treating you in loving ways. He is told in the Bible to do so. But please don’t allow yourself to believe the lie that because you hurt so badly, solutions to do that, which you should not, is acceptable. It is not. It’s not acceptable for him, and it’s not acceptable for you, no matter what the other does. I pray the Lord will help you both in this mission.
Amen sister… it is unfortunate. My spouse took sex from me on too many times that I can recall. I stay but we are separated. Women have rights just like men do. Maybe having sex after he forced me to have an abortion was not a good call on his part. I finally found God but he is still lost. But according to the Bible, I must stay. It is complete misery but at least I know that we aren’t to love this world and that in heaven it won’t be like this for us here on earth.
Sad… really wish I was a Christian when I was 18 and pregnant. Now Im just stuck.
Good day all. My partner and I we are not talking at the moment because of issues mentioned. Its frustrating at times. I feel that ladies are being unfair to us men in saying we demand a lot when we pursue for frequent sex. You are my trophy therefore I need to polish you daily in order to maintain the shiny.
Thank you for this article. I have printed it out for my wife to read. I hope that she will.
Not only does my wife not desire any sort of intimacy, we have been married 21 years and she has never shown herself to me voluntarily. In other words I have never seen her nude. She says that she is simply shy but she goes out in public with blouses that show most of her cleavage and skirts that are two or three sizes too small. Also she refuses to wear her wedding band. It appears to me that she is “ADVERTISING”.
This has become a major problem. I suffer from major depression issues and this has been determined to be a major contributor. We have sought Christian marriage counseling and she always rejects their conclusions and advice. I have been approached by a number of women over the years and I have rejected ALL of them. It is getting very, very difficult to continue being rejected and ignored.
I have moved into the ANGER stage. I have given everything and been rewarded with NOTHING. I hate this life
Me too, bro…me too.
My wife has always turned me down. We are intimate about once a year. I’ve brought up this issue dozens of times but she never wants to do anything about it. I used to do everything for her, spend all my time with her – massages, dinners, dates multiple times a week, let her sleep on my lap and tuck her in every night. The last time I brought up her lack of anything sexual with me she said it’s because I haven’t showed affection in months. Didn’t address the past 7 years though.
I’ve hit the gym hard this year. Have a six pack now, great job, bought myself a new wardrobe, make it a point to stay busy with friends and to not be around her. I’ve been depressed, had loss of confidence and doubt, and just plain neglected in our years and she hasn’t showed any concern for it. Now I’m not doing any of the things that I did as a loving husband and am only doing what I like. She now gets angry that I’m ‘so distant’ but doesn’t address all the times that I told her the same thing. I sometimes feel guilty about it because I do love her. Always have.
Now I’m selfish and taking care of myself. I get hit on all the time and I love it. I won’t cheat but the fact that she sees that I’m desired by others gives me pleasure. I also need to feel desired by somebody and she doesn’t show it. Once our kid is 5 or so, or unless my wife makes an effort to keep me around, I’m going to file. Not going to keep trying to move mountains and drowning in despair. Wish I would have had this mindset years ago because it’s the best I’ve felt in years.
May God do a miracle in your marriage. Once your kid turns five it will be conscious enough about everything to ask too many questions. Even 3 is enough for little brains to ask… My prayer for you tonight is that God makes a miracle in your lives, marriage and family. We should work out everything for the sake of those little hearts. I hope you will never see that deep sad look in your childs eyes because it’s deeply wounded because mom and dad won’t live together anymore and he lost his home. That is a home for a child – mom and dad. Pray, no matter how much you don’t want to change. Pray, no matter how good you feel right now. Do it for that little child. Don’t shatter his heart.
Thank you so much for this write up; especially the prayer part. I will keep saying that prayer until things change. I really wish my desire can be more than my husband’s own. Since our marriage is just 6 months and he is a very very good man that understands always. I love him so much and want to do all to satisfy him. I pray the Lord hears my prayers, in Jesus name.
What hurts me is that I always comply when requested and yet when I am in need I get a cold “no.” Throughout the years I have learned that for women it is a power play, a superiority; no feeling, no thought that I needed the dedication. I needed to be inside; my woman needed to be validated on a lot of things but mostly my manhood.
I wish my wife would read this
Man I wish my wife thought the same as you.
I came to read this article because I have problems in this area. My husband and I have been married a little over 2 years but had been separated for one of them… I have my own place and he lives in our old house. We have been on a path to reconciliation for about two months now. Infidelity was a major issue for us. Before I knew about the affair I spent money and time offering myself to my husband in a way that I never could before we were married and he responded to me as if I was an alien. He even told our pastor that he wasn’t interested in the lingerie, dances, music, etc. All of the things I felt free to do with him.
The problem that we have now is that he is faithful but I think my issue comes from rejection by him. The truth is he doesn’t take no for an answer, he pushes and pushes and just goes for it and I just deal with it but I’m left feeling confused and not thought of… He says I always say no and I don’t initiate sex but I say he doesn’t take no for an answer and I don’t want to do it. I don’t have a drive and there is also an issue of physical pain (fibromyalgia, lumbar stenosis). I want to want him but I just dont know if it’s because of the past hurts or the current issues.
I remember I had to pray one time during because the way he approached me was so different that I felt like he was thinking of someone else. I guess his infidelity really affected me and although we got counseling, those issues weren’t dealt with. At least not as of yet…Sigh… I’m at a loss. I don’t know what to do. I feel like I’m rambling. Forgive me.
I should add that although I say no, we still have sex. He doesn’t understand that as a woman I want to feel like he wants me for more than sex. Romance, non-sexual intimacy, dates those things all mean the world to me. My birthday came and he forgot about it, our anniversary came and he didn’t say anything… It’s been three days since the last time (in spite of physical pain) and it isn’t enough for him. I did go a period of about a month denying him, but that was only because I wanted to be sure he wanted me again as his wife and not just saying the “right” things to get me to “open up”.
This is a crazy place to be in… Simply because I find myself doing it so he won’t be tempted but it’s all so one sided. He feels like since I enjoy it then we both are winning but I feel like there is still something missing… Maybe it is my own insecurities within our marriage. I just feel like we have more issues to work on and work out besides sex.
Mind you, even during his infidelity I didn’t deny him (sadly). I sometimes feel like it’s selfishness on his part. His main complaint is not that I won’t do it but that I’m not the aggressor. He said just last night that he comes in the door and I don’t do anything. I told him normally when someone walks into a room, they are the ones to greet the person. It’s so exhausting and defeating… Just needing to vent…
Hi Quinn, I just read your two texts several times and felt compelled to answer as a husband of 37 years. First and foremost, I recognize that infidelity is a terrible thing, from which it does take time to learn to trust again, and to heal.
But in the meantime, perhaps a very simple approach would be to simply arrange a “date night” at least once a week where you both agree that on this special night you will be there for each other, and prepare for it, and anticipate it? That you will minister to him, and he to you? Putting aside all the conflicts, struggles and questions for a time…. and purpose only to enjoy each other? You, with lingerie and music (Wow!) for him, and he, to tell you why he wants you, cares for you, loves you? (Is this what is missing for you?) The bottom line is, you DO love each other!!
As a husband, I can tell you that denying him is a very bad idea, and will not achieve the result you want. On the other hand, he needs to understand and appreciate your position of physical pain, and that a “no” from you is not automatically a rejection of him as a person.
I’m not intending to trivialize your situation, nor am I implying that this “simple fix” will solve everything. But I think it will give you both something to count on, to look forward to, and see as a “step in the right direction.”
The above article is really very good! I have to read it several times though, to really assimilate all that information :)
Here are some websites below that I have found very helpful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep2MAx95m20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFPajbFhSOc
http://www.marriagehelper.com/sexual-rejection-effect-on-marriage
I hope this helps….. WP (Work in Progress)
Today I’ve decided that I will leave my wife and the lack of intimacy including sex is why. I’ve struggled with this decision for several years. Her medications may be to blame. Maybe it is her age… I’m very unhappy about it but whatever! Enough. The gavel fell. Case closed.
Hi Matt, Is the lack of intimacy and sex the only reason? Or are there other factors at work here? If her medications are to blame, perhaps there is a way to adjust them to alleviate the problem? But I guess you tried that long ago already…As a husband I can fully inderstand how difficult this is. Really!
Does your wife know of this decision you have made? Or will it come as a bombshell out of the blue? May I suggest the following websites for you and your wife to carefully consider?? Especially your wife? It is clear that she either has no idea how men approach sex and need sex- different from the women as we both know, or she does know and has just shut down emotionally for other reasons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-9cIZbOr_w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep2MAx95m20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFPajbFhSOc
http://www.marriagehelper.com/sexual-rejection-effect-on-marriage
All of these I have found very good, and the more so because they have been expressed by women. The last one I found to be very powerful… I can fully identify with both the husband and the wife here. Anyway, I hope you read this and reconsider your decision. Easy for me to say, becasue I am not walking in your shoes. BUT…. is the alternative so much better? Do you have children? If so, what happens to them?
Perhaps another better position for now is, “You know I have been having a very hard time with the state of our sex life…. I am at my rope’s end! I don’t know what else to do! I am at the point of leaving, unless something changes very soon, or unless I can see that you are committed to helping out here!” I cannot live the rest of my life like this! This is NOT a threat, it is a scream for help!”
Just an idea. Seems better than shutting the door in her face- this way she has a chance to react, don’t you think?
I do not know if you are a believing Christian, but I do know that HE has the answers to this dilemma. Prayer and commitment even on the part of one spouse only is a powerful thing.
Perhaps read the comments on the site “Save your marriage alone?” https://marriagemissions.com/save-marriage-alone/comment-page-19/#comment-355223
I hope these ideas help. My heart truly goes out to you Matt… WP (Work in Progress)
Oh Quinn, I certainly hope you are not still in this situation. It sounds like you were being raped by your husband. Where was the advice when you needed it?
All I get is ” I don’t know ” or nothing, especially when we talk about it.
Jawmighty, although you didn’t say much, I felt like answering to your comment as a wife who unfortunately used too frequently (even for my opinion) that famous “I don’t know.” I can tell you that for sure “I don’t know” is not a definite “no”, otherwise your wife would say it like that. “I don’t know” (at least in my case) is, many times more like “I was thinking of that, but…”, or “I don’t know, maybe, but…”. Did you try some other aproach to your wife? Or maybe there is some unmet need, that is stopping her from going for intimacy? Maybe even some personal problem… Pray for your wife and for yourself as well that God shows you the way how to show her love. Oh, I so wish that you work this out, I am sure you love each other! Don’t give up on your lady!
I am feeling trapped in a marriage where my needs are not being met, and I’m at my breaking point. I love my wife and we have a beautiful child together. But my wife has grown cold and frigid when it comes to sex. She never initiates sex, and for years now she is willing to have sex less and less. I have grown tired of the excuses and bitterness over many years of trying to talk to her about the limited number of times we have sex.
Sometimes I think because she brings home the most money she feels like she shouldn’t have to cook, clean, or have sex unless she feels like it, which is hardly ever, maybe once a week on a regular basis, but sometimes once every two weeks. Anything I say seems to upset her to the point to where she don’t want to have sex, or she’s too tired after spending several hours on her phone, and facebook, and periods that last from seven to ten days, and back on it a week later. I don’t want to cheat, but I am not going to be married and celibate. If changes are not made soon I will do something about it!
Fed Up, Let me ask you…Would your wife feel trapped in a marriage where her needs are not being met? Often a wife’s desire for sex is directly linked to her feeling she has her needs met; and the biggest need for most women is the one feeling she is cherished by her husband. From what you said it sounds like you “do” a lot for her around the house which is really important; but she may not equate what you are doing as meeting her needs. [I’m no counselor, I’m just spit balling some ideas to consider.]
I can assure you that divorcing her or cheating on her won’t make your situation any better. There are hundreds of stories on our web site that will bear that out. Hopefully your wife would be willing to get into some good “marriage friendly” counseling to help you both make the improvements you would both want.
You didn’t say you are a Christ-follower, but because you came to a Christian web site and left your comment I will tell you that the most important thing you can do to improve your relationship is to ask God about any changes you need to make first. We have a lot of articles that can help you find answers to that.
One last question: Do you remember your wedding vows? Can you find the words and read them? Did your vows include the words, “For better, for worse…?” Well, this is one of those “for worse” situations. And even if your wife is not keeping her side of the vows that doesn’t let you off the hook. Here’s the definition of a vow: “…a solemn promise, pledge, or personal commitment.”
I’m hoping you are a man of integrity and character and a vow means something to you. I can tell you, Fed Up, that there are a lot of guys who have left comments here that would think they were in heaven if they were getting sex once a week (or every two weeks) from their wives.
The problems you talk about are NOT insurmountable. But they will take work to improve them. So, I challenge you now: What are YOU going to DO ABOUT IT? I see two choices: 1) Weenie out and bail on your wife… or 2) Man up and fight for your marriage. But let me make a prediction: If you choose number one then I can promise your second (third or fourth) marriages won’t be any better.
Fed Up, I would give anything for once a week. Try once a quarter. (3 months) There is nothing that I can say or do. Nothing. Sometimes you have to be grateful for what you DO have. Some of us earn all the money do more than half of the housework, laundry and such and still get nothing.
Try none AT ALL for 6 years, or 8… or is it 10 years now? I dunno I lost track long ago.
My wife doesn’t like to have sex with me for whatever reason. I don’t know, but I’m getting sick of begging her for sex. It maybe it’s time for me to move on.