I'm at a loss what to do next
I guess I should post my story and see if anyone has suggestions. I know there others here who have it way worse than I do with going sexless for many years. Mine has started recently, but I'll get to that later. My wife and I have been married for over 41 years. We've only known each other sexually. We both lost our virginity about 5 months after we got engaged. It was fun and exciting and we had sex 2 or 3 times a week, but stopped about a month before we got married. It was a mutual agreement. The first week of marriage was very good and we had sex 3 times, but it tapered off quickly after that. We had sex 3 or 4 times a month. As time went on, it was even less.
We had three kids by 9 years into the marriage. After that, it really dropped to once or twice a month. She either wasn't in the mood, or tired or just didn't want to have sex. It wasn't because I wasn't helping around the house or with the kids. There was one year about 15 years into our marriage where we only had sex twice. I couldn't figure out why. My wife is seven years younger than me so she was in her 30's at the time. I thought women were usually very sexual at that age.
One of the problems we encountered was our work schedules. I was a teacher that worked days and she was a waitress that worked from 4 PM to midnight. She worked about 4 or 5 days a week and sometimes on weekends. I always made sure things were in order around the house. I understand her work hours were a big part of the problem, but maybe I didn't understand enough. I never withheld sex from her, though I can't say the same for her.
She later took a day job running a hot lunch program in a parochial school. We were home together more after that, but it really didn't make a difference in our sex life. I think it was 6 or 7 times a year after that. As our kids got older and in high school, I thought things would change, but they didn't.
A little over two years ago, I sat down and talked to my wife and told I felt empty and missed our talks and intimacy. I told I felt we were two ships passing in the night. She felt the same way and decided to make Sunday morning our time, since we went to church on Saturday. I was great having our conversations and then usually getting intimate. We would role play which would make it more enjoyable. But, about 19 months ago, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. That was a blow. But I was very lucky having the doctors I had because they ran me through a battery of tests and found it was a very aggressing cancer. I had surgery on Sept 19, 2017 and all the cancer was removed. The down side was that nerves had to be cut causing me to lose the ability to get an erection normally. (I hope I'm not giving TMI). Two months after the surgery, my urologist prescribed a pump with bands. I practiced for a month and on one Saturday morning, I asked my wife if she'd like to give it a go on Sunday morning. She stared at me (which seemed like forever) and said, "if you want too." I could tell by her look and tone she wasn't interested. I thought about it a lot that day and realized that she really hadn't been into our Sunday morning rendezvous. It started to eat at me. When I woke on Sunday morning, I got up and started getting dressed. My wife said, "I thought you wanted to try the pump today." I told her I changed my mind and we'd try it another time. Maybe I shouldn't have done that, but I truly was not in the mood.
About a month later we got into a discussion about something and I told her how she hurt my feelings that day with her attitude. She started yelling at me on how I hurt her feelings by even thinking of having sex on such short notice! WTH???? Short notice?? She told me if I wanted sex on Sunday morning I'd have to let her know by Thursday so she could work it into her schedule! WOW!! What a kick in the stomach. Just a note here: I refer to myself as #10. Our 3 grown children, 5 granddaughters and job seem to come before me.
I have talked to her about wanting more intimacy and that I'd go as far as giving my self-injections so we could have sex. She just smiled and at me and said, "you just don't realize that you and I are on opposite ends of he spectrum when it comes to sex!" WOW! Another kick in the stomach. She just had a checkup with her OBGYN and was asked how long since she's had sex. She thought about it and said, "almost a year and a half." Her Dr. looked at her and said after a long pause, "oh." When she told me this, it didn't seem to bother her.
To add the icing on the cake, we were having another "discussion" recently and her one comment to me was, "it's not my job to make you happy!" That was a blow below the belt. I thought part of being married was to try to make your spouse happy. I'm really thinking about leaving even though she says she loves me. I told her I didn't believe her. It really hurts and it's making me sick. My blood pressure is starting to go up. I don't need this. I have never cheated on her, though she has a very bad jealous streak. It cost her a friend because she came into a room at a party where two other men and I were talking to her friend and she "jokingly" asked what was going on with her and me. Her friend took it seriously and that was the end of their friendship. I guess what really bothers me the most is that we don't hold hands, hug each other, say I love you, or even kiss anymore. I'm just empty inside right now. I know a year and a half doesn't compare to what Kim is going through or some of you others, but I'm at a loss.
I hope someone here can tell me if I've done something wrong or whatever. I'd like to hear what others have to say.
Replies
I am so sorry for what you are going through. She does seem to be as sensitive as my stbx. I have told him often ... he has the compassion of a flea. It doesn't sound like you are doing anything wrong. In fact, offering to do injections or use the pump tell me that you want to try and do what you can to please both of you. (That comment... not my job to make you happy... gets me every time. Granted it is ultimately up to us to find our own happiness. But, in my perfect world... when you truly love someone you should WANT to make them happy. I DO.)
Unfortunately, I think that is why so many of us wind up here. because we ARE on the opposite ends of the spectrum. It is sad to discover that one of us craves intimacy and to be touched , share that bond and feel loved... the other one is completely content without it and cannot fathom why we feel so hurt and unlovable when they keep it from us.
As I look back on my own marriage, I realize to him it never really was a big concern. back then, it was something I did come to expect (with that ring on the finger and all) Guaranteed sex..... well..... had hoped a bit more often . :( I did not actually go out on my own or even have sex til I was 35. Was with 2 others before stbx both fwb. We married at 40 I had another 5 year window of brief, not so great sex. In my 57 years, I have had a 10 year window of " sex" and I can't help but feel I have missed out on so much. I think this contributes to me wanting it so much more now. With you two being the only ones you were with, I wonder if you do sometimes feel the same? In reality, I realize I should have just waited for my hubby alone, but my big fear (and I think most people's fear) is just what you have come across... Even though you love your spouse, they don't want or need physical touch. ) There comes the question... is this our life sentence?
I am wondering if she would try counseling or therapy? That is probably what others will suggest. My thoughts and prayers are with you because I do understand just how you feel. Hugs, Kim
Kim, thank you for your comments and insight of what I am going through. Like you said, “that is why we are here, because we are on the opposite ends of the spectrum.” Yes, sometimes I do feel I have missed out on a lot and missing more now. I’m not getting any younger. Thank you so much Kim. You’ve made me feel a little better about my situation. Support from others means so much. Hugs, Bruce
You have summed it up in a nutshell for me as well. I too am reminded of the blasted clock . On a brighter note, they say we are only as old as we feel (Unfortunately I do have the occasional ones where I feel 85. haha, but most are better than the 57 I have under my belt. ) I would be lost without the understanding and support and encouragement I have found from many on here. I am glad to do the same for you. Hugs, Kim
I am a bit surprised and disappointed that a couple of more members haven’t commented on my situation. The more advice the better. Maybe you said it all, Kim. :-/
Hang in there. Sometimes many don't post or even see all our entries. I started out on sexless marriage and , while there seem to be others joining, it is not very active at all. For someone new who is struggling, they still feel alone. I often chose to do a journal like you did (if I am not sure what group it falls under , but I have something I want or need to say)
PS When there are no responses for awhile, they dont always show the post on the list... I would say if still struggling and looking for feedback, post again , just how you are feeling right now.
Hugs, Kim
Thanks Kim. There’s been no change. We talk to one another and that’s about it. Still no intimacy. Some days I get depressed, on others, I just go on. I guess we’re in the same boat. Thanks for your concern.
Hugs, Bruce
It is a horrible way to live simply going through the motions. I have tried for so long and , to me, there is just nothing to look forward to and I was dreading each new day. When I first started the divorce (and even now with it still paused) I felt a bit of hope and as frightening as it is to try it alone again, just being able to believe that I will get a chance to actually begin to feel better about myself and free to find someone who does still look forward to life again.. to love and share everything with... I still cling to a little glimmer of hope. i hope you can find that too. Hugs, Kim
You’re so right in saying that going through the motions is horrible. Some days I feel ok and then there are the days where the cloak of dread comes over me making me feel there will never be any change. You started the divorce and it sounds like you are on the verge of becoming free. Never give up. I’m sure divorce is very scary with the thought of starting over on your own. But things will get better and you’ll find that inner strength I know you possess and you will feel better about yourself and find that person who will love you for you and you will have that new life you’ve been longing for. Keep the dream alive.
Hugs, Bruce
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. I will say, I miss intimacy terribly. I feel so empty without the hugging, kissing and caressing. I’ve thought about divorce, but the realization that I’m 69 and have to use a pump and bands or penile injections to perform has put me in the position of staying in my marriage. What woman would want to wait to have sex because the pump has to be used or an injection has to be administered? I just have to bear my cross.
Reading your words here--- what woman would want me? And I find myself often feeling the same way--- what man would want me? I believe , in my case (and probably yours too)-- The fact that I am completely discounted and my wants/ needs are completely disregarded by my stbx, does make me question them . After all, if our spouse does not care or think enough of us , then sometimes we may question our own value and worth.
I am again realizing that we all have our challenges and struggles. But there are others like us who do have compassion, understanding and are willing to look past those "complications" and see each other for what and who we truly are underneath. When you find someone who does truly care, they will not see someone needing to use a pump or injection--- they will just see someone special who is willing to take the extra effort to share that bond with them.
I will tell you just as I have needed to hear myself lately--- you deserve better.
I appreciate your encouraging words., but I guess I feel less of a man because of my situation. I belong to an in-person and on-line support groups. It is common for men to go through self-doubt feeling less of a man. It’s hard to shake off that feeling. I guess my age makes it worse because the reality of being much older has set in. You said, “what man would want me?” Wow! I think a lot more than you realize. I know you’re scared, but don’t let your stbx dictate what’s going to be. He’s blind and has brought you down so much, it’s a sin! He does’t realize what he has in you. You are a Sweet gal! Don’t take this wrong, but I wish I had a wife like you! You need to get out there and let people see the real you! You’ve been in your situation of no intimacy 8 times longer than me. Who “deserves better” more than me? ....... YOU!!! Don’t wait til it’s too late, Hugs, Bruce
Thank you for those very kind words. In some respects I have moved forward. He completely disregards and discounts me most of the time. But I am no longer silenced. When around others (at work or wherever) I DO get out there now. I speak my mind, joke and kid with others and I do reach out if I see someone lost or struggling. Here I can say whatever is on my mind and I have been doing that with a handful of close friends and coworkers... As far as dating or searching for someone special again I don't know if I can get past what happened with him or being able to really trust anyone. (Since being on here, there have been several who have promised the moon and all were lying and scamming for something--- usually money.) While I am finally opening up and being myself, I really fear it is already too late. But thank you. I wish you the best also. Hugs.