My Sexless Marriage Is Killing Me (I Hate Being In A Sexless Marriage)

Amira Lyric
7 min readMar 28, 2024
Photo by Somnox Sleep on Unsplash

I’ve got a topic today that’s about as heavy as they come — the dreaded sexless marriage. We’ve all heard the stories, seen it in movies, or maybe even experienced it ourselves. So often, I hear from people who are trapped in a sexless marriage, and they’re at their wit’s end, wondering how they got here and what to do about it. Well, you’re not alone, and I’m here to tell you that there is hope. In this article, I’m going to dive deep into the issue of sexless marriages and offer some practical advice on how to deal with it when it feels like your sex life has gone MIA.

A while back, a client named Laura reached out to me with a story that might sound all too familiar. She told me that when she and her husband first got together, their connection was electric. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other, and life in the bedroom was, well, pretty darn amazing. But over time, that spark seemed to fade. They stopped having sex as frequently, and then, well, it just stopped altogether.

Laura was heartbroken, feeling rejected, unattractive, and worst of all, she felt like they were living more like roommates than lovers. She confided in me that she missed the days when her husband’s touch would send shivers down her spine and that feeling of being so close to someone she loved deeply. It was as if her relationship had lost its passion and spontaneity.

As she poured her heart out, I could hear the frustration and sadness in her voice. She had tried talking to her husband about it, but it seemed to only push him further away. It was clear that Laura was at her wit’s end, and she didn’t know how to bridge the growing gap between them.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she said, “My sexless marriage is killing me. I hate being in a sexless marriage. What can I do to bring back the love and desire we used to have?”

Laura’s story isn’t unique. Many couples go through this, and it can feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of frustration and disappointment. But there are ways to tackle this issue, and it starts with understanding why sex often goes AWOL in marriage.

Why Does It Happen?

So, what’s the deal with sexless marriages? Why do they happen? There are a multitude of reasons, and here are a few common ones:

1. Stress and Life Pressures: Life can be a real buzzkill when it comes to romance. Job stress, financial worries, and family obligations can zap your energy and leave you feeling like the last thing you want to do is get frisky.

2. Resentment and Conflict: When there’s unresolved conflict or resentment in a relationship, it can put a damper on your intimacy. Who wants to get intimate with someone they’re angry with, right?

3. Body Image Issues: We all have our insecurities, but when they start to affect your self-esteem, it can be hard to let your guard down and get busy.

4. Lack of Communication: It’s a classic problem. Couples often stop talking about what they want in bed or what turns them on, leaving both partners in the dark about each other’s desires.

5. Routine and Boredom: Doing the same things over and over in the bedroom can lead to a serious case of the “ho-hums.” Boredom can put your sex life into a deep slumber.

6. Physical and Medical Issues: Sometimes, health problems, medications, or hormonal changes can cause a nosedive in the desire department.

What Can You Do About It?

Okay, now that we’ve laid out the reasons behind sexless marriages, let’s get down to business. What can you do about it? Here are some tips and strategies that can help reignite the flame:

1. Talk it Out: Open and Honest Communication

Communication is the bedrock of any relationship, especially when it comes to addressing a sexless marriage. When you’re facing a lack of intimacy, it’s crucial to sit down with your partner and have a heart-to-heart conversation. This isn’t just about stating your desires or grievances; it’s about creating a safe and open space for both of you to express your thoughts and feelings.

Start by choosing a time when you’re both relaxed and not distracted. Avoid confrontational language or blame; instead, use “I” statements to express your feelings and concerns. For example, say, “I’ve been feeling disconnected from you, and I miss the intimacy we used to share,” rather than, “You never want to be intimate anymore.”

During this conversation, actively listen to your partner’s perspective as well. Sometimes, there might be underlying issues or fears that neither of you is aware of. Understanding each other’s feelings and experiences is a vital first step in finding solutions.

2. Date Nights: Rekindling the Romance

Remember those magical date nights when you were first dating? Well, it’s time to bring them back into your life. Regular date nights can help you reconnect on a deeper level and rekindle the romantic spark that may have dimmed over time.

Make a commitment to schedule these date nights, and treat them as non-negotiable appointments in your calendar. Whether it’s going out to dinner, seeing a movie, taking a cooking class, or simply going for a long walk in the park, these moments of quality time together can make a world of difference.

Use date nights to rediscover each other, flirt, and remember why you fell in love in the first place. Don’t let the responsibilities of daily life consume all your time and energy. Invest in your relationship by investing in these special evenings.

3. Spice Things Up: Embrace Variety and Novelty

Stagnation can be a major factor in a sexless marriage. When you’ve been with the same person for a while, it’s easy to fall into routines and lose the excitement that comes with new experiences. To counteract this, embrace variety and novelty in your intimate life.

Try new things in the bedroom, explore your fantasies, and experiment with different techniques. Perhaps introduce games, role-play, or new locations to your sexual repertoire. Novelty can reignite the passion and curiosity in your relationship, making intimacy more exciting and fulfilling.

Remember that both partners should be open to these changes and feel comfortable discussing their desires. Consent and mutual enjoyment are paramount. The key is to have fun and explore new horizons together.

4. Focus on Intimacy, Not Just Sex

It’s important to shift the focus from the act of sex to the broader concept of intimacy. Intimacy encompasses emotional and physical closeness, and it doesn’t always have to lead to sex. When you concentrate on nurturing emotional intimacy, it often paves the way for a natural return to a healthy sex life.

Engage in non-sexual physical affection, such as hugging, cuddling, and kissing, to create a deeper connection with your partner. Sometimes, intimacy can be rekindled by merely feeling close, safe, and cherished without the pressure of sex.

By fostering a sense of intimacy outside of the bedroom, you create a foundation for a more meaningful and passionate connection within it.

5. Address Underlying Issues: Tackling Resentment and Conflict

Sometimes, the lack of intimacy in a marriage is a symptom of deeper issues, such as unresolved conflicts or longstanding resentments. If these issues remain unaddressed, they can erode the emotional connection between partners.

If you suspect that unresolved conflicts are contributing to the problem, it’s essential to tackle them head-on. This might involve difficult conversations and a willingness to confront the issues causing tension in your relationship.

Start by identifying the specific conflicts or resentments that have been lingering. Sit down with your partner and discuss these issues, focusing on finding common ground and potential solutions. Seek to understand each other’s perspectives and be open to compromise.

Addressing these underlying issues may not lead to an immediate improvement in your sex life, but it will create a healthier foundation for rebuilding intimacy. By resolving conflicts and resentments, you can restore trust and emotional connection in your relationship.

A sexless marriage can be incredibly challenging and emotionally draining. It’s natural to feel frustrated, lonely, and disconnected from your partner. But don’t give up hope. By opening the lines of communication, exploring the root causes, and making an effort to reconnect emotionally, you can reignite the flame in your relationship.

If you’ve found the insights and advice in this article helpful, it’s time to take action. Click here to discover even more tips and resources that can help you reignite the passion and intimacy in your marriage

Click here to access a comprehensive guide that goes even deeper into the strategies and tips I’ve discussed. This guide is packed with actionable steps, real-life success stories, and expert advice that can help you and your partner break free from the cycle of a sexless marriage and rediscover the intimacy and connection you once had.

Don’t let a sexless marriage continue to weigh you down or cause unhappiness in your life. Take action today, invest in your relationship, and discover how to bring the spark back into your marriage. Click here now, and let the journey toward a more satisfying and loving partnership begin. Your future happiness is just a click away!

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and there is hope for a brighter, more passionate future. Click right here and start rebuilding the love and connection you deserve.

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Amira Lyric

Devoted to healing relationships, I blend empathy and skill as a marriage counselor. Guiding couples toward renewed connection and fulfillment.