Talking about sex with your spouse

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Yes I do fear that the conversation will turn into babbling and crying on my part.
You can babble and cry with your husband. Some of my best conversations with my husband have included some babbling and crying.

I do not think you’ve meant to reject your husband. I only mean that you could be sending signals that might easily discourage him from approaching you in the way you actually desire. A lukewarm response encourages a hot rejoinder in only the most optimistic of men! Any time you give signals that could be taken as discouraging to his sense of personal attractiveness to you, it is a good idea to clarify your true feelings. I don’t just mean asking for a rain check, but getting out the calendar and looking for a time you are more likely to be rested and therefore more welcoming to his husbandly advances.

Don’t hide your needs from him. What, you’re expecting him to be a mind-reader, or you think he doesn’t even want to know? C’mon!! You can put yourself in his shoes, and you know better! He does not want to please you less than you want to please him, nor does he need feedback less than you do! You can let him know what you like best without making it into a demand. I’m sure he wants no less!! 👍
 
Hi…I’m not sure if you practice NFP or what type. With Creighton, there is an acronym called SPICE (which I don’t remember exactly what each letter refers to without my manual:o) but it basically refers to being loving and romantic on days when you need to abstain.

It’s helpful to keep you emotionally and spiritually close so that when you are intimate you are more connected.

It’s hard to turn off “Mommy” and turn on “Wife” sometimes…and sometimes we need to feel a bit more “wife like” before feeling ready for intimacy.

I hope that makes sense.
 
I see I should clarify based on some responses that I don’t and haven’t habitually rejected him. I have lacked enthusiasm for sure which I’m sure has an impact, but I want to convey that I don’t shut him down on a regular basis, but I feel bad that I don’t really feel like it most of the time and I just do it out of obligation.
I truly apologize if you feel like my post was misdirected.

However, if you lack enthusiam and just do it out of obligation, I am certain he can tell. In reality, that’s not much better than a rejection.

Personally, when it comes in intimacy, I don’t want my wife’s body. I want her spirit, mind, and body. If I think things are going well, but then she gets a look on her face that makes me wonder if she’s making a mental grocery list, it’s kinda like a dagger to the heart. Or pecker. Take your pick.
 
I truly apologize if you feel like my post was misdirected.

However, if you lack enthusiam and just do it out of obligation, I am certain he can tell. In reality, that’s not much better than a rejection.

Personally, when it comes in intimacy, I don’t want my wife’s body. I want her spirit, mind, and body. If I think things are going well, but then she gets a look on her face that makes me wonder if she’s making a mental grocery list, it’s kinda like a dagger to the heart. Or pecker. Take your pick.
:p. The bold part sure made me laugh. No need for you to apolgize. I agree he certainly senses my lack of drive, I just wanted to be sure everyone understands I’m not outright denying him sex. I usually become enthusiastic during the act, I just find it hard to get myself into the mood to begin with.
 
If I think things are going well, but then she gets a look on her face that makes me wonder if she’s making a mental grocery list, it’s kinda like a dagger to the heart. Or pecker. Take your pick.
For what it’s worth, keep in mind that women’s brains work much differently than mens. We multitask much better than y’all so and y’all compartmentalize much better than we do.

Translation, we can’t help it if the grocery list pops into our heads, but on the other hand, that doesn’t necessarily keep us from enjoying the task at hand.

I also have to point out that there is a biological component here as well. I know when I’m pregnant/nursing my body and hormones enter major “mission accomplished” mode. I have zero interest in anything approaching romance. Now I’m not saying that gives me a “hall pass” for avoiding romance (as humans sometimes our intellect has to override nature), but I hope my husband will at least give me credit for trying rather than spending his energy frustrated that I’m not enthusiastic enough.
 
For what it’s worth, keep in mind that women’s brains work much differently than mens. We multitask much better than y’all so and y’all compartmentalize much better than we do.
So the ADD comes from the woman’s side. Got it.👍
 
So the ADD comes from the woman’s side. Got it.👍
For a minute there, I thought my husband was posting on the forums:eek:!

My complete inability to do one thing at a time drives him crazy. On the flip side I don’t understand how he can just sit there and watch TV. I have to have a book, the lap top, laundry, knitting needles, etc to keep my hands busy. To each their own I guess.
 
I see I should clarify based on some responses that I don’t and haven’t habitually rejected him. I have lacked enthusiasm for sure which I’m sure has an impact, but I want to convey that I don’t shut him down on a regular basis, but I feel bad that I don’t really feel like it most of the time and I just do it out of obligation.
I can guarantee that if you are rolling over and taking it he WILL be able to tell. It is like making love to a blow-up doll. Sorry for being graphic, but that is what goes through my head when my wife does this. I know she is probably not in the mood, but she doesn’t even make an attempt. Throw in a few choice comments like “Now, the kids are up” (when they are all downstairs engrossed in the latest dora, disney movie, etc and you won’t see them for 5 hours) or “The baby will see”. (I guarantee you mom that junior is drooling for a reason at this age and isn’t going to care one way or the other)

I remember when we were first married, I was at home (watching TV) and she got home from work. Burst through the front door, came in the living room and literally pulled my clothes off, ripped her’s off and said “I want you so bad right here and right now”. It scared the h*** out of me at the time as she is not normally like that. To this day I wish she would do that again. It was the most unanticipated, exciting thing she has even done.

I have asked her why she doesn’t do that anymore. She always says “That’s when we didn’t have kids.” I always think to myself “What does that have to do with anything?” I don’t know why kids change a woman like that? I know I still have the same feelings. I wish she would surprise me or be more agressive. I really like it, but today she is only like that when she has had a few drinks and then it usually turns into silly fest and the sleepytime before anything actually happens.

DO NOT write him a note. I HATE anything in writing unless it is foreplay. Then I really like it. If you have something to say, then just say it. Men are pretty thick skinned. I think you will find that we want to drive you wild and need you to tell us how to do that. My wife was so shy about this. She would never say anything until after our 5th child. I don’t know if the inhibition dropped or what, but she told me when and how to do what made her happy. I am more than happy to oblige.

I think now my biggest problem is she has no energy and just wants to sleep all of the time. She does always seem to find time to respond to her e-mails and post on facebook at night. It is ego crushing when I ask to sneak into the BR and have some fun and she says “I am exhausted” and then proceeds to pickup the laptop and check her e-mail?

You know what this says to a husband “My e-mail is more important than you are”. You only need to do this once or twice to kill a husbands ego. Most men judge how much they are loved by how responsive their wives are to them sexually. Most women may not like this, but my guy friends confirm this. We can all tell when one of the guys is being “shunned”.

Wives, YOU need to be like you were when you first got married. Don’t fall into that same old dull routine. Here are some suggestions that I know almost all men will be very exicted over:
  1. Get out of the shower and instead of wrapping a million towels around your body ask your husband to dry you off and then have him follow you to the BR. Guaranteed he will be happy.
  2. Ask him to come help put away the clothes in the BR when he gets home from work. Be in the buff and then when he comes into the BR he will get the idea. Guaranteed to make him smile.
  3. NEVER spurn an advance if possible. Never, ever use the old “I’m too tired” line. Rather say, “ok hun lets go, but you need to do the magic work tonight, I’ve had a long day”. You get to the be the doll and lay there and he will not feel rejected.
  4. Be spontanous. Most men like excitement.
I know when we were young we would go on nature walks in the woods and take “detours”. Those memories are very vivid in my mind. We would go on weekend trips just to have “fun”.

My parent’s once gave us tickets to an all inclusive weekend at a casino hotel. We didn’t do much in the casino as were not much for gambling. We did however have a nice dinner, watched a movie, used the hot tub and pool. At the end of the day I was all excited to have fun with my bride. I took a shower and when I came back she was sleeping already. I got to sit up and listen to the other couples in the rooms above and to the sides enjoy their night. To this day that bothers me. I felt so rejected.

I hope there is some information in there you can use. I think above all, don’t play dead or just do it for the sake of doing it. As hard as it is, try to never seem uninterested. I can guarantee you will have a much happier husband who will not have a hurt ego.
 
Moon, you offer a very helpful perspective thank you. In my defense I am an active participant once the action is in progress, it’s just that I have trouble getting into the mood to begin with.

To address some other comments (I am posting from my phone and it’s hard to quote sorry):

Easterjoy - I’m not opposed to babbling and crying with DH, but I find that when we have those types of conversations, they aren’t very fruitful for two reasons: one, I lose my ability to communicate intelligibly, and two, he goes into “please stop crying” mode where all he wants to do is get me not to cry.

We have become more parents and partners in running a household than lovers. I really want to fix that before it becomes a major problem.

It is just so hard to imagine saying out loud what my major turn ons are. Men, if you were in this situation, how would you like this information to be conveyed. What would build you up rather than tear you down while your wife got such a point across?
 
Just me, i would go for the note approach.
By using a note you have the element of suspense on your part and surprise on his for he can “plot” his timing to enact the triggers you gave him.
 
Moon, you offer a very helpful perspective thank you. In my defense I am an active participant once the action is in progress, it’s just that I have trouble getting into the mood to begin with.

To address some other comments (I am posting from my phone and it’s hard to quote sorry):

Easterjoy - I’m not opposed to babbling and crying with DH, but I find that when we have those types of conversations, they aren’t very fruitful for two reasons: one, I lose my ability to communicate intelligibly, and two, he goes into “please stop crying” mode where all he wants to do is get me not to cry.

We have become more parents and partners in running a household than lovers. I really want to fix that before it becomes a major problem.

It is just so hard to imagine saying out loud what my major turn ons are. Men, if you were in this situation, how would you like this information to be conveyed. What would build you up rather than tear you down while your wife got such a point across?
I personally like being told what to do while in the act. It all depends on the guy though. I personally get great pleasure from my wife getting pleasure. Sex is much better when she is happy, at least for me.

I guess it depends on your husband. Most men like to discuss sex, especially if it is what turns you on. It is harder to listen to a laundry list of complaints though.
 
It is just so hard to imagine saying out loud what my major turn ons are. Men, if you were in this situation, how would you like this information to be conveyed. What would build you up rather than tear you down while your wife got such a point across?
Any conversation where my wife talked positively about sex would be a great conversation. Personally, I don’t think it would matter how you brought it up. You could just be very nonchalant about the whole thing.
“Hey sweetheart, I was thinking about something today…”
He will expect you to mention something about the house or the kids…as soon as he realizes that you want to talk about your sex life, he’ll be pleasantly surprised and VERY receptive. Us men really aren’t that hard to figure out…I think sometimes yall over analyze things. You can be much more direct and blunt than you can when you are talking to another woman.
 
Moon, you offer a very helpful perspective thank you. In my defense I am an active participant once the action is in progress, it’s just that I have trouble getting into the mood to begin with.

To address some other comments (I am posting from my phone and it’s hard to quote sorry):

Easterjoy - I’m not opposed to babbling and crying with DH, but I find that when we have those types of conversations, they aren’t very fruitful for two reasons: one, I lose my ability to communicate intelligibly, and two, he goes into “please stop crying” mode where all he wants to do is get me not to cry.

We have become more parents and partners in running a household than lovers. I really want to fix that before it becomes a major problem.

**It is just so hard to imagine saying out loud what my major turn ons are. ** Men, if you were in this situation, how would you like this information to be conveyed. What would build you up rather than tear you down while your wife got such a point across?
That is why I recommended earlier that you emphasize what you like IN THE CONTEXT of having sex. It is so much easier for me to say, “YES, do that some more!” to my husband WHILE he is doing it, than to start a conversation about sex just out of the blue, in our normal day. “Oh, excuse me dear, I just wanted to ask you if you would do X some more while we are having sex…”

You then do not have to make a big deal out of saying whatever it is. Just get him DOING IT and then praise, praise, praise! And suggest refinements as you go. Trust me, it’s almost painless and you can’t cry when it FEELS GOOD!

😃
 
I think now my biggest problem is she has no energy and just wants to sleep all of the time. She does always seem to find time to respond to her e-mails and post on facebook at night. It is ego crushing when I ask to sneak into the BR and have some fun and she says “I am exhausted” and then proceeds to pickup the laptop and check her e-mail?

You know what this says to a husband “My e-mail is more important than you are”. You only need to do this once or twice to kill a husbands ego. Most men judge how much they are loved by how responsive their wives are to them sexually. Most women may not like this, but my guy friends confirm this. We can all tell when one of the guys is being “shunned”.

My parent’s once gave us tickets to an all inclusive weekend at a casino hotel. We didn’t do much in the casino as were not much for gambling. We did however have a nice dinner, watched a movie, used the hot tub and pool. At the end of the day I was all excited to have fun with my bride. I took a shower and when I came back she was sleeping already. I got to sit up and listen to the other couples in the rooms above and to the sides enjoy their night. To this day that bothers me. I felt so rejected.

I hope there is some information in there you can use. I think above all, don’t play dead or just do it for the sake of doing it. As hard as it is, try to never seem uninterested. I can guarantee you will have a much happier husband who will not have a hurt ego.
Cut to get to something.

I can understand you feel rejected. However, I (female) can honestly say sex take way more energy than typing an e-mail.

If your wife has no energy all the time and only wants to sleep, I STRONGLY encourage you to encourage her to get a physical. I don’t want to go into my stuff. However, my exhaustion level was off the charts. Zero energy. Recently dx’d with a problem that often goes unnoticed and is LIFE THREATENING. There can be other reasons as well. But keep in mind unless your wife has some hangups she’s easily just trying to exist. It’s more about her than her rejecting you.

I also wonder about a woman that crashes while you’re in the shower. That was fast??? Again, another reason I’d look into health issues. Don’t let your ego get in the way of possible health issues. And really insist that everything is checked out.

And finally, May I suggest the next time you both get a day to yourselves. Have sex first. You know your wife is exhausted for whatever reason. Don’t run her from one event to the next until she too tired to do anything that had to do with your goal. Don’t wrap you mind around a perfect day that ends in sex.
 
DO NOT write him a note. I HATE anything in writing unless it is foreplay. Then I really like it. If you have something to say, then just say it. Men are pretty thick skinned. I think you will find that we want to drive you wild and need you to tell us how to do that. My wife was so shy about this. She would never say anything until after our 5th child. I don’t know if the inhibition dropped or what, but she told me when and how to do what made her happy. I am more than happy to oblige.

I think now my biggest problem is she has no energy and just wants to sleep all of the time. She does always seem to find time to respond to her e-mails and post on facebook at night. It is ego crushing when I ask to sneak into the BR and have some fun and she says “I am exhausted” and then proceeds to pickup the laptop and check her e-mail?

You know what this says to a husband “My e-mail is more important than you are”. You only need to do this once or twice to kill a husbands ego. Most men judge how much they are loved by how responsive their wives are to them sexually. Most women may not like this, but my guy friends confirm this. We can all tell when one of the guys is being “shunned”.
I agree, I think your wife needs a thyroid test especially. No energy and sleeping all the time, and having had 5 children - women have a weak spot in their thyroids and bearing children makes that little gland just work itself into oblivion. I hope she will agree to have a check up. If it’s something organic, like her thyroid going wonky, it can be improved greatly. If she already takes thyroid supplements, she might need her dosage adjusted. That’s not medical advice, though, it’s just a recommendation that she see a doctor about her tiredness. Of course some of that is having 5 kids to deal with…I only had 2 and getting them to young adulthood has nearly used me up! 😉

The point I bolded is very important for women to understand. It is not how we work as females, and we tend to judge you guys about this, and not comprehend how sex can have that much of a hold on you, or be that critical to your self-image. Most of us, although we’d miss it, maybe a lot, could go the rest of our lives without sex and still have our self-esteem and self-image that would be unaltered. How we see that we are loved is not only through sexual intimacy IOW. But it sure seems to be an end in itself to men. It is much more GLOBAL for you guys.

I did get to feel a little of the disappointment that you mentioned when you and your wife went to the casino…Lately, hubby and I have been enjoying weekend encounters because one son is at college and the other one usually works on Saturday. Well, this past weekend hubby was totally exhausted from a difficult work week, and just went upstairs and went to sleep during our usual “fun” time. 😦 I am much more active in the day time and so an opportunity was lost…What a switch for me to be in the rejected position…I felt rather wistful the rest of the weekend.

I agree that sex needs to be at the top of our lists and not at the bottom. It does need to come before email even if it takes more energy.
 
I personally like being told what to do while in the act. It all depends on the guy though. I personally get great pleasure from my wife getting pleasure. Sex is much better when she is happy, at least for me.

I guess it depends on your husband. Most men like to discuss sex, especially if it is what turns you on. It is harder to listen to a laundry list of complaints though.
👍

This is what my husband thinks!!
 
That is why I recommended earlier that you emphasize what you like IN THE CONTEXT of having sex. It is so much easier for me to say, “YES, do that some more!” to my husband WHILE he is doing it, than to start a conversation about sex just out of the blue, in our normal day. “Oh, excuse me dear, I just wanted to ask you if you would do X some more while we are having sex…”

You then do not have to make a big deal out of saying whatever it is. Just get him DOING IT and then praise, praise, praise! And suggest refinements as you go. Trust me, it’s almost painless and you can’t cry when it FEELS GOOD!

😃
Yes as much as possible I try to encourage things I enjoy during sex. The thing is, the sex itself is usually pretty good, it’s the complete lack of foreplay coupled with my recently lower drive that make me less excited to get things going. I am trying to avoid traumatizing anyone with specifics here but there are things that he does during sex that would be highly effective as foreplay to get me in the mood. I do always try to indicate that I enjoy them, but like I said he would get more mileage if he would be a bit more aggressive and employ these things as a lead up to the act. I need something to get me going these days other than a sense of obligation… Don’t get me wrong, I am sexually attracted to my husband, but my appetite for intercourse has been a bit low since I’ve spent nearly all of the last 4 years either pregnant or nursing (I’m free at the moment lol).
 
but there are things that he does during sex that would be highly effective as foreplay to get me in the mood. I do always try to indicate that I enjoy them,
Don’t “indicate”… TELL HIM!! He’s your husband.

Just say “hey honey, I LOVE it when you do (*******) to me”… “Hey, how about doing some of that NOW”

LOL… I know it sounds funny, but seriously, you just have to tell him. Put the kids to bed, invite him to the bedroom, drop the clothes and just say it. 🙂
 
Don’t “indicate”… TELL HIM!! He’s your husband.

Just say “hey honey, I LOVE it when you do (*******) to me”… “Hey, how about doing some of that NOW”

LOL… I know it sounds funny, but seriously, you just have to tell him. Put the kids to bed, invite him to the bedroom, drop the clothes and just say it. 🙂
👍

Yep, this. If it takes a glass of wine to get your courage up, have it. Don’t worry, if you stand there stark naked, he’s going to hear every word you say…

😉
 
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