Intimacy Issue

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To answer questions:

Well… I don’t know. I’m not initiating now and I haven’t seen anything happen yet.

The way my husband explained it, throughout the time we dated and were engaged, the mentality was don’t have sex. Now, we’re free to but it’s taking him some time to adjust from that mindset to this one. The whole love thing stems from the fact that in his teen years, when he slept around, there was no love in the sex and he felt that these women wanted him only for the act. He still cannot make that disconnect and realize that marital sex is loving, not lustful. Sex, for him, equals lust because that’s what he’s used to. He wants to spend more time cuddling and enjoying the “love” before moving on to sex. That’s what’s devastating, how he views it and how I’m paying for it. I waited and I’m still waiting, even in marriage. I feel like I’m being punished.

The worst part is how he’ll TELL me that I’m attractive and that he wants to have sex with me… but yet he’ll sit there while I’m 100% available. I don’t feel like a woman. I don’t feel as attractive anymore. Most of all, I don’t know how to deal with this. He asked for my patience but I am a complete wreck. My depression is spilling over into all aspects of my life. I’m a disaster. I spoke to a Catholic counsellor but I don’t feel I got much advice I could put to use. That’s why I’m running back here. Please, anyone, any words of wisdom? I really need help.
I thought this could be the problem he was having, but what is he waiting for? Is he incapable of becoming aroused while cuddling and kissing you? I’m confused…and also so sorry that this is happening. I’m hopeful that things will improve between you and your husband.

I think that your thread can serve as a great example as to why people should wait for marriage, before having sex. People underestimate the emotional and mental connections people make to sex, and how often, if it takes place before marriage, how one can only attach lust to the act. I’m sorry you are feeling less feminine because of this. Again, I’m confused as to what he’s waiting for, at this point?:confused:
 
Hello, all!

I recently got married and am kind of experiencing difficulty with regard to intimacy. Before my husband came back to the Church, he, like many other young people, slept around A LOT. I think that these women have tainted his idea of what sex is supposed to be like. Just the other night, he said that there is no love in sex. He feels like it’s mostly about lust. I felt my heart hit the floor. We have been fighting about my wanting to have more sex. He is the only man I have ever been with like that and I have waited my whole life to enjoy sex and I think I am entitled, especially with my husband! I don’t feel he persues me like he used to.
This is what Theology of the Body is ALL ABOUT!!!

www.christopherwest.com
christopherwest.com/article1.asp

I’m so sorry you didn’t get good instruction on this before you got married.:bighanky:
Oh my gosh, your question is so beautifully written, it is the heart of what is wrong with marriage today and why there are so many divorces in the church. My heart is sad for you that you haven’t experienced the difference between love and lust, especially in your marriage.

Pope John Paul exlains that marital sex isn’t supposed to be about lust/concupiscence (that animal drive for sex), but about loving your spouse as Christ loves us.

Read Good News for Sex and Marriage by Christopher West.

A more difficult read but addresses your feelings and the problem you are having with intimacy is Love and Responsibility by Karol Wojtyla.

It will answer all of your questions.

You should probably invest in this video series:
"God’s Plan for a Joy Filled Marriage"

ascensionpress.com/shop/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=57

Maybe you can share some of this with your priest, and your church could buy it for you.

May God bless your marriage from this day forward.
:gopray2:
 
I went to Christopher West’s TOB 1 and TOB 2 courses,
.
.
.
I highly recommend your husband and you go to at least the first week of these classes. I do not see the world in the same way. It can heal your marriage!
Me too, agapewolf!!!
I went to TOB1!

So, how can we share what we know with blessourhome, so that she can know what we know?

It’s so great, we can’t keep it to ourselves!!
 
Wow, where do I start on this one? I guess, I have to bring myself back to your age at 21 where, I too, was innocent, and thought well if I got married, then sexually no holds barred, I was going to do whatever anyone else did, because it was within a marriage. WRONG! Dead wrong!

I think what your husband is trying to say is that he never wants to have sex with you, much less ever F*** you. Listen closely, he actually respects you and wants you to understand that those two things are not what he is about and not what you two are about, he may never see you as a sexual being, but something better, something innocent and respectful, something to live for and protect. He could not see that with his past because maybe girls of that nature would not tend to be good mothers or skew their view of what tenderness and mutual respect in a marriage relationship was like.

I have read and gave communion in church, I cannot do those popular culture expectations for any man if I were to continue volunteering in the church, it is just not right, nor does it feel right. I have to admit, I am quite jealous of your relationship, because I still to this day cannot find it for myself.

Another story I remember was off of a call into a radio show where an 18 year old got married and was very disappointed with the intimacy, and got a divorce strictly because of it, I knew what she was thinking, it would be ok because she was married and her family would accept that, and also she was young and wanted to have a lot of “fun” by postponing to have children. She went on to be just another ordinary American who does the mindless dating and trying boys on for a “good fit.”

Don’t laugh, but I have heard this being called anxious virgin syndrome before, where once a girl loses it, she goes on a rampage always wanting more(when I reflect back to high school, this theory was very true, girls around me were going dropping like flies, and not much I can say but be quiet because no one wants to hear a lecture). I do not think it is different for men either. Careful though! Should a woman flee, or man for that matter, into these rampages of meaningless sex, the current culture gives off devastating consequences, esp. STD’s, I already read two stories in these forums, of young ladies who regret their past and resent having to give off to their current relationship, some of those things cannot be reversed. One in two chance of getting something nowadays even with protection or other forms of sex, and god forbid, you may turn and see men as these sex mongers who care nothing for you, but keep you around just for the sex, while you know he cares less about whether you stay in his life or not.

You and this 18 y.o. I spoke of were too young to understand, even I, at this point of my life, am still not fully understanding of it, that’s why this TOB thing is of great interest to me now. I somewhat resent my not having this information in my adolescence. Wow, if I could do it all over again!

Now because your husband has been through the smut of it all(or maybe not all), he wanted to retract that behavior by finding someone pure and unknowing. So by finding you, he figures as long as he doesn’t expose you to all that, that you will not need it because lust is not a loving nor respectful act and a virgin would not know about other things unless she was told otherwise.

Sex, especially for women is very emotional, you never forget your first, right? You have the opportunity to keep him, and even better you get to make love together…forever. I pray that you both can get through this together. I wouldn’t hasten or harden your feelings about this, please give it time and the full discernment it needs, I would hate for you to be in my position in ten years and realize you had it good now!

Lastly, I call upon The Genesis story of Adam and Eve, where God in his wrath questioned Adam about the tree of knowledge, funny how we push education on everyone without really always knowing. Just remember you can still save this marriage by learning more faithfully, understand you are not supposed to know there is more, sometimes too much is too much! Catholicism teaches us that a virgin will work fine without too much sex in a relationship because she knew what it was like without it for so long, and also because she would typically be with child by now and preparing herself for motherhood so as not to be able to have too much relations either. On another note, do not compare yourself to the Joneses and what they are doing. People who do that dwindle later, keep what is special between the both of you, strictly that, for just you and him! Remember why it was you were attracted to him or made you fall in love with him, and try to keep that idea vivid until your 50th anniversary! Our current American/British/Indian cultures(& more I am sure) have put it all out there to the point of bastardization, don’t buy into the hype!

Thanks for the question, you made me think a lot about this and who I am!

My prayers and blessings for your marriage!! Wish I had it!
Hope
 
Two suggestions. First, pray together, every day.

Second, get a copy of Popcack’s “Holy Sex”.
 
I do think you should stop pursuing him and maybe be less available to him. Get coy and be hard-to-get. It may take him a while to recognize the shift, so it won’t work right away, but it sounds to me like you’re pressuring him. Stop pressuring him. It may be emasculating him. You’re telling him that he’s not satisfying you, basically. Don’t do that.

Make up your mind that you won’t be having sex with him for at least a few weeks. Seriously - just take the whole option off the table. Relax. Let sex go for a while. He will want sex, eventually… and when he does, make him work for it a bit. Cuddle with him and kiss (at his initiation) and, rather than trying to advance things forward, remember something you had to do and coyly get up from the couch and go do it. Flirt with your eyes and act a bit sexy…but only when you’re on your way out the door to the supermarket or something. Never, ever put him in the position of feeling pressured for sex. Let him decide he wants sex on his own, when he is good and ready, and then let him enjoy working for it a little while.

I think a lot of men do not like feeling pressured for sex. It really freaks them out.

Try this before having a long, serious talk with him or asking him to read a book or writing him any letters. All he’s going to hear is “blah, blah, blah… you’re failing at something… blah, blah, blah… I’m not satisfied.” Put your efforts into pleasing him and being an attractive wife and let him do as he likes.

Also, being tired and stressed at work does mean something to men. Some men want to retreat into their caves for a while. Women need to bond and vent to deal with stress. Men, not so much. Maybe he wants you to leave him alone in front of the TV. Do it. Go away and do your own thing for a while… maybe slip unobtrusively into the den in order to discretely place a sandwich within reach, but don’t disturb him. Use that time to do things for yourself, instead, and when he wants to come out of his cave, don’t pounce on him. Let him come out at his own pace and just let him know that you’re there for if he needs you.

Actually, I recommend a couple of books for you: Fascinating Womanhood, as well as The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands.
 
To answer questions:

Well… I don’t know. I’m not initiating now and I haven’t seen anything happen yet.

The way my husband explained it, throughout the time we dated and were engaged, the mentality was don’t have sex. Now, we’re free to but it’s taking him some time to adjust from that mindset to this one. The whole love thing stems from the fact that in his teen years, when he slept around, there was no love in the sex and he felt that these women wanted him only for the act. He still cannot make that disconnect and realize that marital sex is loving, not lustful. Sex, for him, equals lust because that’s what he’s used to. He wants to spend more time cuddling and enjoying the “love” before moving on to sex. That’s what’s devastating, how he views it and how I’m paying for it. I waited and I’m still waiting, even in marriage. I feel like I’m being punished.

The worst part is how he’ll TELL me that I’m attractive and that he wants to have sex with me… but yet he’ll sit there while I’m 100% available. I don’t feel like a woman. I don’t feel as attractive anymore. Most of all, I don’t know how to deal with this. He asked for my patience but I am a complete wreck. My depression is spilling over into all aspects of my life. I’m a disaster. I spoke to a Catholic counsellor but I don’t feel I got much advice I could put to use. That’s why I’m running back here. Please, anyone, any words of wisdom? I really need help.
I think he really loves you and he want to put more love in the act.

Actually it just occured to me that you could youself have a problem with the view of sex. You said:
He wants to spend more time cuddling and enjoying the “love” before moving on to sex
I think this is the proper attitude. It looks like he really want to make love to you not just to have sex with you. I think you should participate activily in this. Because as the pope says, this is also about healing…

It looks like he want to eliminate any amount of lust that may introduce itself in the act. And this is why he is kind of slowing you down. As you said youself, most of his past women were interested in lust. He knows them and probably you tend to act like them and he recognize the pattern and does not like it.

The fact is, put your focus on love not on sex. Because sex is the consumation of love and it seems to me that he is making effort to make it this way.

It also seems to me that having waited for a long time. You are in the mode of ‘this is the time for sex’. YOu are feeling depressed because you feel like releasing all the energy you saved up when you were waiting. But you have all the time in the world to realise it. You can use his focus on love to heal this growing depression and enjoy the fact that actually he is activaly working to build a strong loving bond.

Don’t be quick to blame his past. This could be a fatal mistake and overlook what might be your own errors you are contributing.

I think that you should really join him in this focus on love. Building this love intimacy. Sexual intimacy should be what you get when you zoom in into the loving intimacy.

It seems to me that he is trying to pray before the meal. But you are too excited for the meal and too impatient that you don’t notice a need to pray.
The love of man and woman “tends to rise ‘in ecstasy’ towards the Divine, to lead us beyond ourselves; yet for this very reason it calls for a path of ascent, renunciation, purification and healing.” - B16
Sex as the renewal of vows is precisly an act which express love more deeply and intimately. But sometime we can be mistaken to the idea that just because we are married, then we can have sex anytime when we feel like it and expect the other to be ready because it is a marital obligation. But this is when it is really a result of lust as indicated by the CCC.

The ‘loving’ intimacy is always necessary because that’s where the understanding is, throught talking, that’s where a person may notice that the other is tired, or pay more attention and became easier to please and satisfy. Intimate talks are necessary for the intimacy.

As someone mentionned. the marital act is not just the sexual act. It does not envolve just the body, but the soul and the spirit, the whole person. So for this the whole person must be ready not just the body. And somehow the whole person can not be ready unless the partner is also ready through intimate communication…because in marriage you are ONE.

In fact, lust is exactly when only part of person is involved but not the whole person. This is how a spouse can be lustful to the other. If two spouse are not both really prepared as to be both fully involved in the marital act, there is surely lust somewhere. Because someone is holding something…someone is being selfish. We often think ‘contraception’ at this point but it is not the only one. One can also hold his love by focusing on the need for pleasure. Example when one spouse is tired and the other fail to wait until the other is in full swing for the act but go on and satisfy themselves while the other is not totally present.

So my advice is participate in this ‘loving intimacy’ build up. So many married people long for it and you are complaining about it? I think this is what build up a strong bond. By practising it you may actually reach a point of no return in your marital bond; an unbrakable bond. And the sexual act will always be fulfilling with full hearts engaged and fully given.

God bless
 
I think you are putting to much emphasis on sex. It is a wonderful part of marriage, but is that why you married him? Let me ask you this, if he were in an accident and physically unable to have that realationship with you, would you love him less? I hope not. The physical realationship between a husband and wife is a gift from God. Yes! But it isn’t the reason I love my husband. I’m sure it is frustrating for you, but I think you might be acting a little selfish. He has tried to tell you what is wrong and you pout and cry. I know you are young, but that is really childish behavior. I married at 19. I didn’t have a clue on how a marriage was suppose to work. Neither did he. We figured it out together. It’s team work. Sometimes it’s not going to go the way you want. But when you truly love the other person you put aside your needs and work for what is best for the marriage.
Now, you said you are still having sex once a week. If it turns into once every six months I think you have a problem. I think you need to look and see if you are putting unrealistic expectations on your marriage. Just how often do you think you should be “doing it”. There isn’t a set number of times per week, at least I don’t know of any, did I miss a memo somewhere and if so can I make up for lost time;) Because once you have kids, it’s a whole other challenge. If once a week isn’t enough for you, talk to him about adding another night. Maybe he just doesn’t want to have sex every night. It doesn’t have anything to do with the way you look. You said he has a tiring job. Maybe he is just tired. I hope you work this out!
 
Hello, all!

I recently got married and am kind of experiencing difficulty with regard to intimacy. Before my husband came back to the Church, he, like many other young people, slept around A LOT. I think that these women have tainted his idea of what sex is supposed to be like. Just the other night, he said that there is no love in sex. He feels like it’s mostly about lust. I felt my heart hit the floor. We have been fighting about my wanting to have more sex. He is the only man I have ever been with like that and I have waited my whole life to enjoy sex and I think I am entitled, especially with my husband! I don’t feel he persues me like he used to. I really miss that. Granted, he said that he loves being intimate with me but doesn’t see the need for it so often. It’s made me wonder if because of all these women, he is now “sexed out.” He feels like he is being used for the physical gratification and would much prefer to cuddle or kiss without it leading to something. While I know that many women out there are experiencing the opposite problem (and I am grateful and blessed to have a husband that loves to be romantic), I feel very frustrated. I want him to want me in all aspects. I feel like sex is becoming a chore for him. I look at myself in the mirror, at my physical appearance and wonder why he’s not all over me and I cry hysterically. I can walk around naked in front of him or wear sexy little undergarments and he won’t react. His job is physically demanding and he comes home tired everyday but when I’m tired and there is a possibility for sex, I get a sudden rush of energy for him. Why can’t he? Am I sounding too unfair? I don’t know what to do. We practice NFP and it’s going well but I feel like there are so many days in a month when we can have sex freely and we should take advantage of that, you know? Please, any comments, suggestions, etc.?
Deal with the problem now. Don’t wait 15 years, as I did. I have gone 15 years without sexual relations with my spouse. The result has been complete misery, sexual frustration, and the biggest challenge ever to my faith. See my other threads in this forum, if you want the complete rundown on my situation.

Yes, if you do not fix the problem, you can end up in my circumstance. So seek counseling. Talk with your priest. Do something tangible about the problem,

Don’t wait for the problem to go away, or fix itself. It won’t. You will eventual end up in total celibacy, as I have, and the emotional pain will be excrutiating.

Imagine living this way until the year 2023. That is what you could end up facing. That is 15 years. Could you be forced to endure this for that long? I have!

**Get. Help. Now. **
 
Wow, where do I start on this one? I guess, I have to bring myself back to your age at 21 where, I too, was innocent, and thought well if I got married, then sexually no holds barred, I was going to do whatever anyone else did, because it was within a marriage. WRONG! Dead wrong!

I think what your husband is trying to say is that he never wants to have sex with you, much less ever F*** you. Listen closely, he actually respects you and wants you to understand that those two things are not what he is about and not what you two are about, he may never see you as a sexual being, but something better, something innocent and respectful, something to live for and protect. He could not see that with his past because maybe girls of that nature would not tend to be good mothers or skew their view of what tenderness and mutual respect in a marriage relationship was like.

I have read and gave communion in church, I cannot do those popular culture expectations for any man if I were to continue volunteering in the church, it is just not right, nor does it feel right. I have to admit, I am quite jealous of your relationship, because I still to this day cannot find it for myself.

Another story I remember was off of a call into a radio show where an 18 year old got married and was very disappointed with the intimacy, and got a divorce strictly because of it, I knew what she was thinking, it would be ok because she was married and her family would accept that, and also she was young and wanted to have a lot of “fun” by postponing to have children. She went on to be just another ordinary American who does the mindless dating and trying boys on for a “good fit.”

Don’t laugh, but I have heard this being called anxious virgin syndrome before, where once a girl loses it, she goes on a rampage always wanting more(when I reflect back to high school, this theory was very true, girls around me were going dropping like flies, and not much I can say but be quiet because no one wants to hear a lecture). I do not think it is different for men either. Careful though! Should a woman flee, or man for that matter, into these rampages of meaningless sex, the current culture gives off devastating consequences, esp. STD’s, I already read two stories in these forums, of young ladies who regret their past and resent having to give off to their current relationship, some of those things cannot be reversed. One in two chance of getting something nowadays even with protection or other forms of sex, and god forbid, you may turn and see men as these sex mongers who care nothing for you, but keep you around just for the sex, while you know he cares less about whether you stay in his life or not.

You and this 18 y.o. I spoke of were too young to understand, even I, at this point of my life, am still not fully understanding of it, that’s why this TOB thing is of great interest to me now. I somewhat resent my not having this information in my adolescence. Wow, if I could do it all over again!

Now because your husband has been through the smut of it all(or maybe not all), he wanted to retract that behavior by finding someone pure and unknowing. So by finding you, he figures as long as he doesn’t expose you to all that, that you will not need it because lust is not a loving nor respectful act and a virgin would not know about other things unless she was told otherwise.

Sex, especially for women is very emotional, you never forget your first, right? You have the opportunity to keep him, and even better you get to make love together…forever. I pray that you both can get through this together. I wouldn’t hasten or harden your feelings about this, please give it time and the full discernment it needs, I would hate for you to be in my position in ten years and realize you had it good now!

Lastly, I call upon The Genesis story of Adam and Eve, where God in his wrath questioned Adam about the tree of knowledge, funny how we push education on everyone without really always knowing. Just remember you can still save this marriage by learning more faithfully, understand you are not supposed to know there is more, sometimes too much is too much! Catholicism teaches us that a virgin will work fine without too much sex in a relationship because she knew what it was like without it for so long, and also because she would typically be with child by now and preparing herself for motherhood so as not to be able to have too much relations either. On another note, do not compare yourself to the Joneses and what they are doing. People who do that dwindle later, keep what is special between the both of you, strictly that, for just you and him! Remember why it was you were attracted to him or made you fall in love with him, and try to keep that idea vivid until your 50th anniversary! Our current American/British/Indian cultures(& more I am sure) have put it all out there to the point of bastardization, don’t buy into the hype!

Thanks for the question, you made me think a lot about this and who I am!

My prayers and blessings for your marriage!! Wish I had it!
Hope
M’am I read this, but at a loss as to what you just said.

After reading these responses I’m beginning to think I must be wired different, cause I ain’t *ever *been that tired LOL.
 
To answer questions:

Well… I don’t know. I’m not initiating now and I haven’t seen anything happen yet.

The way my husband explained it, throughout the time we dated and were engaged, the mentality was don’t have sex. Now, we’re free to but it’s taking him some time to adjust from that mindset to this one. The whole love thing stems from the fact that in his teen years, when he slept around, there was no love in the sex and he felt that these women wanted him only for the act. He still cannot make that disconnect and realize that marital sex is loving, not lustful. Sex, for him, equals lust because that’s what he’s used to. He wants to spend more time cuddling and enjoying the “love” before moving on to sex. That’s what’s devastating, how he views it and how I’m paying for it. I waited and I’m still waiting, even in marriage. I feel like I’m being punished.

The worst part is how he’ll TELL me that I’m attractive and that he wants to have sex with me… but yet he’ll sit there while I’m 100% available. I don’t feel like a woman. I don’t feel as attractive anymore. Most of all, I don’t know how to deal with this. He asked for my patience but I am a complete wreck. My depression is spilling over into all aspects of my life. I’m a disaster. I spoke to a Catholic counsellor but I don’t feel I got much advice I could put to use. That’s why I’m running back here. Please, anyone, any words of wisdom? I really need help.
I just have to ask bless, are you absolutely certain that he isn’t seeking sexual pleasure elsewhere? I’m not saying he is, but it happens. Not necessarily with another woman, but could be masturbating in secret, etc…Not saying he is, or isn’t…just think it’s important to overturn every stone, in situations like this. I would wonder if my husband never wanted to have sex with me, repeatedly, if something more was going on in HIS life.

I also agree with the poster about sex not being the most important thing in a marriage. But, if you’re rarely or never having sex, because one spouse continues to reject the other, that is not healthy, either. I hope things improve for you.

I didn’t mean to throw a whole new monkey wrench into your thread, bless…I just ask the question because sometimes, it’s as simple as that. Maybe simple isn’t the right word. :o
 
I do think you should stop pursuing him and maybe be less available to him. Get coy and be hard-to-get. It may take him a while to recognize the shift, so it won’t work right away, but it sounds to me like you’re pressuring him. Stop pressuring him. It may be emasculating him. You’re telling him that he’s not satisfying you, basically. Don’t do that.

Make up your mind that you won’t be having sex with him for at least a few weeks. Seriously - just take the whole option off the table. Relax. Let sex go for a while. He will want sex, eventually… and when he does, make him work for it a bit.
Hi blessourhome ! I am sorry it hasn’t got better yet… and I do still understand you: our own situation had bettered a bit, and then again sex became a major problem for me, and I felt so depressed because I felt it wasn’t as good and as often as it should be. Luckily we were able to talk about it yesterday and we’re working at the problem together, but still… I understand your feelings, and I feel Hopeful_in_Uk gave you some very good advice.
The things I put in bold I did before even beginning talking to him about the issue. Since the time we had had out talk about it, he had made efforts, but I realized in fact he was feeling pressurized, and that’s why it was… 😊 not so great.
It really helped because in the end, we had no sex for quite a while, but then, HE was the one who began to start “initiating”. Yet it was useful that I had set my mind on “no sex” and didn’t “jump on the occasion” : he had time to let his own desire grow and feel a man, a "hunter:p " again.
So afterwards, we were able to discuss why this time had been beautiful, and what was the problem, and he was able to understand me, because through this period where I had been “unavailable”, I had released the pressure and proven I was ready to make my own efforts and understand his own needs (and tiredness, and so on), too.

Sorry if I was a bit long, but I just wanted to give you a bit of courage through this difficult time. You’re not alone ! Yes, it feels terrible to feel undesired, but if you can check on your needs for a while, it will be worth it… he obviously needs time to adjust his former perception of sex to your new state of life. Eventually, he will, and will be so thankful that you helped him and was understanding !

My prayers.
Gwen
 
M’am I read this, but at a loss as to what you just said.

After reading these responses I’m beginning to think I must be wired different, cause I ain’t *ever *been that tired LOL.
Wow, you give me hope!! LOL All people are wired different, I suppose, that was what I was reading off the gentleman in question. LOL Your a male, what do you think the problem is with the situation?
 
*Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art Thou among women and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. *

Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse. Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse. Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

Have you tried intercessory prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary?

“There is no surer means of calling down God’s blessings upon the family… than the daily recitation of the Rosary.” – Pope Pius XII

“If families will but listen to my message and give Our Lady ten minutes of their twenty-four hours by reciting the daily Family Rosary, I assure them that their homes will become, by God’s grace, peaceful, prayerful places–little heavens, which God the Author of home life has intended they should be!” – Father Peyton

And I once heard of someone whose divorce was stopped - after a separation - by consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary through the method of St. Maximilian Maria, which is derived from True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis Mary de Montfort.

There is also a testimony in the book The Secret of the Rosary about how the Most Holy Rosary helped a woman give birth to a child.
Excerpt from The Secret of the Rosary: → Thirty-First Rose: Blance of Castille-Alphonsus VIII Blanche of Castille, Queen of France, was deeply grieved because twelve years after her marriage she was still childless. When Saint Dominic went to see her he advised her to say her Rosary every day to ask God for the grace of motherhood, and she faithfully carried out his advice. In 1213 she gave birth to her eldest child, Philip, but the child died in infancy.
The Queen’s fervor was nowise dulled by this disappointment; on the contrary, she sought Our Lady’s help more than ever before. She had a large number of Rosaries given out to all members of the court and also to people in several cities of the Kingdom, asking them to join her in entreating God for a blessing that this time would be complete. Thus, in 1215, Saint Louis was born – the prince who was to become the glory of France and the model of Christian kings."
St. Louis Mary de Montfort also wrote, The Secret of the Rosary, which explains the origin and name, prayers, mysteries, marvelous effects, proper dispositions, ways to combat distractions and pray the Rosary effectively, and Confraternities (so you can have the benefit of other people’s Rosaries as well) of the Most Holy Rosary.

Someone once wrote of this book, *“Possibly the finest book ever written about the Rosary; appeals to all ages. Shows the great spiritual power of the Rosary, which is appreciated by few.” *Pope John Paul II was also consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the method of St. Louis Mary de Montfort. St. Padre Pio, who said, “The Rosary is The WEAPON”, said as many as 90 rosaries a day in a special form for which he received ecclesiastical permission. Father Thomas Euteneur, President of Human Life International, cites this in The Rosary Batters the Gates of Hell hli.org/sl_2008-10-03.html

More information below:

Free information on almost all I know on devoting oneself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary:
True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin montfort.org.uk/Writings/TrueDev.html
**Secret of the Rosary ** montfort.org.uk/Writings/Rosary.html
Preparation for 33 day consecration to the Blessed Virginsaintlouisdemontfort.com/consecration.cfm
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesusen.wikisource.org/wiki/Devotion_to_the_Sacred_Heart_of_Jesus#FIRST_POINT._.E2.80.94_The_ardent_desire_Jesus_Christ_feels_to_be_with_us.
Divine Mercy Chapletewtn.com/Devotionals/mercy/dmmap.htm

Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercesion of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse. Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse. Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

*Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art Thou among women and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. *
 
Wow! Thank you, everyone, for the well-thought out responses. FrenchGwen, I’m so glad that things are working out for you now. I hope they stay that way.

Your posts have all given me a lot to think about. My hubby and I came up with a system so there’s no guessing or confusion: if it’s a “yes” day (non-fertile), I put a checkmark down; if it’s no, I put an “x.” He checks the calendar now and initiates more if it’s a yes. So far, so good, thank God! I’m still going to pay more attention and see how he’s doing emotionally and watch for anything that might indicate a problem as a reason for not doing “it.”

happymommy, I didn’t marry him for the sex. The main reasons I’m frustrated are first, that physical touch is my love language and I tend to feel unwanted, unattractive and undesired when I don’t receive it; secondly, I was a virgin and after waiting so long, I wanted to enjoy the mystical experience that is sex. To see my husband, who’s been around the block, who used to not be able to keep his hands off me, act like sex, even with his wife, was shameful is devastating. Yes, I am young and maybe still childish in many aspects, but I recognize a problem when I see/feel one.

mrpathetic, I pray things improve for you. No one should have to go through something like that. :S

whatevergirl, I’m sure that that’s not the problem. I trust him and take him for his word and aside from that, we work and live together, so we’re with each other nearly 24/7. When he’s on the computer, he leaves the door open and I shuffle in and out every so often and see that he’s playing games or whatever. If he were looking at something else, I think I’d notice it and not by the computer screen, if you know what I mean. 😛 As well, when we started dating, we had the masturbation talk and we share the same view of it, that it’s a no-no in the faith.

For now, I think I really need to keep the pressure off him and find a way to put my frustration into prayer, should our new system not work (God forbid! 😛 ). FrenchGwen, since the unavailability method worked for you, maybe it will work for me. Question, though, by being unavailable, do you mean that when he initiated, you said no? If so, he didn’t seem hurt by this? Either way, I’ll keep trying to help him through this transition period in our marriage. I’ve been showering him with love and trying to make sure he feels secure and loved, so I’m going to keep that up for good. It feel great to pour yourself into your spouse like that. I’ll be back to chat later and keep updating!
 
Okay…I just had to ask. I didn’t think that was the reason either…but just thought I’d ask.

I would not play any games though…whatever you do. Not that you are going to, but “playing to be” unavailable, will start to feel to him, like a game. This is something you both have to work through, and playing a ‘hard to get’ game, will really end up getting you nowhere. Just be who you are. 🙂 I think that there is great hope here, just pray for patience…and I will keep you both in my prayers, too. God bless!
 
Dear blessourhome

Please forgive me if I am being a bit personal, but something struck me while rereading this thread. You wrote that your husband used to have a sexually active lifestyle, and that he have told you about problems with lust. Given the nature of secular society, I do wonder about the influence such acts could have on the way he views sex :(. Have the two of you had a long talk about sexual fantasies? It doesn’t seem improbable, that he might have picked up fantasies that he could be afraid of sharing with you. Anyway I hope everything works out, and will pray for both of you.

God bless you
TL
 
Before we got married, my husband and I did talk about fantasies we would like to fulfill together. I was actually thinking about one of them yesterday… weird that you brought this up. 😛 However, the nature of those fantasies may be too far from reality. It doesn’t feel like there would be a good time to try them anytime soon. 😦
 
Hello, all!

I recently got married and am kind of experiencing difficulty with regard to intimacy. Before my husband came back to the Church, he, like many other young people, slept around A LOT. I think that these women have tainted his idea of what sex is supposed to be like. Just the other night, he said that there is no love in sex. He feels like it’s mostly about lust. I felt my heart hit the floor. We have been fighting about my wanting to have more sex. He is the only man I have ever been with like that and I have waited my whole life to enjoy sex and I think I am entitled, especially with my husband! I don’t feel he persues me like he used to. I really miss that. Granted, he said that he loves being intimate with me but doesn’t see the need for it so often. It’s made me wonder if because of all these women, he is now “sexed out.” He feels like he is being used for the physical gratification and would much prefer to cuddle or kiss without it leading to something. While I know that many women out there are experiencing the opposite problem (and I am grateful and blessed to have a husband that loves to be romantic), I feel very frustrated. I want him to want me in all aspects. I feel like sex is becoming a chore for him. I look at myself in the mirror, at my physical appearance and wonder why he’s not all over me and I cry hysterically. I can walk around naked in front of him or wear sexy little undergarments and he won’t react. His job is physically demanding and he comes home tired everyday but when I’m tired and there is a possibility for sex, I get a sudden rush of energy for him. Why can’t he? Am I sounding too unfair? I don’t know what to do. We practice NFP and it’s going well but I feel like there are so many days in a month when we can have sex freely and we should take advantage of that, you know? Please, any comments, suggestions, etc.?
I think several posters have given good advice! I’ll try to give advice if I can, but I am in a bit of a different situation.

In my case my sex drive is very low. I love my husband very much and enjoy sex together when we have it (which is not very often - maybe once or twice a month 😦 ), but I rarely think about sex or think about initiating.

My husband is very supportive emotionally, but with a toddler and an infant there is little time or opportunity for “romance”.

It seems like I often fall asleep on the couch nursing my daughter, or as my husband is a night owl and is oftern up working on his computer until late at night and doesn’t come to bed until I’m well asleep. I really miss cuddling and the emotional aspects-I’m a little jealous, but there is even less cuddling than sex:( 😦

I wish my husband would initiate intimacy more and he has expressed that he wishes I would initiate more. Neither of us seem to initiate much 😦 . That and he is concerned about me getting pregnant again and concerned that my cycles haven’t returned since I am breastfeeding (our daughter was conceived while I was breastfeeding our son before I had a period return).

We’d be open to life if we happened to get pregnant, but now is not a good time for us to be trying to conceive.

Gosh this makes it sound like we have a terrible marriage - which isn’t true - we’ve been happily married for almost ten years.

I would say to enjoy both emotional and physical aspects of marital relations. Communicate with each other and pray for each other. Be willing to listen and to try to meet each others needs.

God Bless you and your husband.
 
Try initiating more often. Make time for it. Schedule it into your calendar, if necessary. There is no rule that he has to be the initiator.

And here is the obvious point: you won’t have a baby, unless you start having sex more often, so if you are serious about having a child, then you need to be the initiator.

You need to take charge of your own sex life. Feel lucky that you have a willing partner, albeit a tired and frustrating one. Men generally are not very sexually complicated. If your husband is responsive, and you initiate sex, he will respond.

Whatever you do, do not let weeks go by without having sex. Weeks will turn into months, and then months will turn into years. Then you will end up with my situation - no sex for 15 years. Which is a train wreck.
 
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