Help--Making Love Feels like Another Chore!

Updated on July 15, 2009
E.P. asks from San Pedro, CA
37 answers

This is embarrassing, but here goes my dilemma...
I love my husband, but I do not feel the need to have sex in order to feel intimate with him. He, on the other hand, is in fact, A MAN, and he has NEEDS! What do I do???

8 moms found this helpful

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So What Happened?

I want to thank all you fabulous ladies for sharing your thoughts, experiences, and insights with me. Some of the responses made me laugh, some made me think, and some just reminded me of or reiterated things I already knew.

I am going to try to focus on being a more thoughtful wife and not just a good mother.

Thanks, again, to all of you!!!

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W.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi E., I know with having three children , sex sometimes could feel that way. But, try a date night or a weekend getaway. I know that helps with us when the stress of a family makes you tired!If you can not get away ! When the kids are sleeping plan a date night at home! Believe me we have all felt this way at one time! Mixed it up and have fun!

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M.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi E., You shouldn't feel embaressed about asking for people for help. I have friends that feel the same way you do about sex. I on the other hand enjoy every moment of it and so we have a great sex life. Have you tried different ways to keep it exciting. I just want to warn you that with my friends they have had to experience their husbands going else where when they don't get it at home. Good luck. Marlyn

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J.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Knowing you are not alone in that feeling may help. It helps me for sure. I did notice in the responses some suggestions to read Read The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands by Dr. Laura. DO NOT READ THAT BOOK! It is demoralizing to women and insulting to men. If a man has to be babied and coddled to stay with a woman, he's not a man she should try to keep. And I strongly feel that our husbands should recognize what we as wives and mothers go through everyday, and that maybe we need some care and attention too. With my husband I finally had to just tell him "Right now I cannot even think about sex. Please don't bother me too much or I won't want it at all. I will come to you when I am willing and able." It wasn't what he wanted to hear, but he understood and has respected my wishes. He is happier now that I am not rejecting his every advance, and I am more interested when I don't feel pressured every night. Good luck!

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C.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

I hate Dr Laura! Seriously, any thing woman have worked for in the last 100 yrs she throws out the window.

That being said-you have 4 kids! of course it is just 1 more thing on the list of to do's! My husband and I aim for at least once a week. and, actually think about a different tyime of day than at night. Morning? Lunch? ALSO! i feels much more loving when my husband has been helpful. Him making dinner, or cleaning w/o being reminded-that puts me in the mood.

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R.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Yeah, you're 33 with 4 kids, so I'm going to assume most of them are under 12. Hmmm...wonder why you're all touched out at the end of the day! Same here, E.. I have a 12, 8, and 4 year old twins. Ditto to lots of other posters, but here's another Dr. Laura gem that's totally true.

Getting started (ahem) may feel like a chore, but once your motor is running, aren't you glad you did it at the end? Kinda like a roller coaster ride -- scary, then, let's do it again! :) Now, if you're getting NO release or joy, that's another issue (look into the adrenal fatigue thing and other reasons). But I find the beginning is what prompts the, "oh, no, not now, I was about to watch HGTV!" moment.

Hope this helps. And I KNOW how hard you're working every day. I always tell my hubby that my primary fantasy involves a big, clean, empty bed ... in which to sleep. After ten hours of that, then he enters the picture!

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T.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

I agree Schlessinger's book may help you change your perspective.

The other thing that will DEFINITELY help you is find something EVERY day that fills YOUR tank. I have 2 kids (ages 9 and 5) and often feel exhausted (I have adrenal fatigue and low iron which doesn't help). I was taking pills for adrenal fatigue for a few months which helped me. Now I'm taking strong iron pills and I have way more energy.

But the thing I found in the last 2 months that REALLY helped me was joining a gym and going 3 times a week.

Click on About us to see the video:
http://www.crossfitfast.com/

I've tried Pilates, Yoga, and I didn't love it. This workout I LOVE (I love the feeling of blood pumping through me) and it keeps me energized for the week. The other day I took the kids to the beach and then at 8pm at night I was full of energy cleaning out my car. That never happens - LOL.

Just find something YOU love to do (hiking? going for a nature walk by yourself? reading? scrapbooking? ) and then that might help refuel you.

Otherwise, if you just give, give, give all day and have nothing left for yourself, you won't have anything left for your spouse either.

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J.L.

answers from San Diego on

Good Morning E., don't feel embarrased, I think most house wives feel like this at some point, me included. Im with you, I feel the sameway now. I've been married for 28 years, and like you I love my husband, but I don't love sex, for me I think it's because I feel it has become about him getting his needs met and not about love and romance. Men are taught in marriage workshops that for women we need the emotional connection with our husbands, that may be what is missing for you, it is for me, and many oher women I talk to. Talk to your husband about how you feel, not in a confritational way, that won't get you anywhere. I went to a class and learned that for men their testasteral builds up evey 48 hours, so it's not really their fault. E. search your heart and your self and see what is missing if anything for you and go from there. Let me share this with you that an older woman sdhared with me, I'm 52 she's in her 60's and has been with her husband since she was 14, they just celebraed their 51 annivarsary on Sunday, but she told me, to be grateful that my husband wants to bewith me and not someone else, because if it was just all about getting his needs met he could get that anywhere, so now thats what i try and wrap my mind around when my husband is ready for love making and I'm not. Feel free to talk to me any time, I don't know everything but can share lifes experiences with you. Hope this helped. J. L.

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K.K.

answers from San Diego on

Hello, My husband and I also have four kids. Ours are grown now. I wish I would have thought of what I am going to suggest to you when mine were young. Tell him that on one of his days off a week, you are going to take the day OFF. He is going to be responsible for the kids and house on that day. You will then be rested and ready for the "chore". He will then understand what it is like to walk in your shoes.
Good luck with your precious family.
K. K.

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K.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Wow you have started something! there is some great advice given to this topic. I think almost everything has been covered from exhaustion to foreplay, bargaining and "love language" even doctor Laura!
i can only tell you what has worked for me. we have been married 10 years and have 3 small kids.
Make a schedule sounds unromantic but takes off tremendous pressure! I hated even touching him at night if i thought it would lead to anything so we ended up with all or nothing or total frustration. this way you can be spontaneous if you want but both of you know on Tuesday and Thursday it's on or whatever you decide.
Read a romance novel or watch a romantic movie to remind yourself how much you actually desire your husband on those days and try if you can to initiate once in a while. he wants to be desired as much as you do. we all want to be sexy and irresistible to the person we love the most. don't rule out the naughty store and what they have to offer there. if that is too embarrassing look on-line find something interesting to experiment with. there are tonz of on line resources. Dr Laura Burmen has a good one she has been on Oprah a few time and although i don't agree always with her advice she has some good things to offer.
If you enjoy it sex can be something you look forward to at the end of the day instead of dread. it is hard to do out of duty so find some ways to make it enjoyable...i know with all your extra time he he..

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D.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Honey i'm like that with every guy i've dated in my life...after about 6 months i really don't want to "do it" that often anymore..they get cranky and don't feel loved..you'll have to figure out something..it sucks i know..maybe you're moving into more of a friendship or u need to rekindle things..take a vacation apart so u can miss him..try to figure out a way to spark things up. I'm a single mom and honestly sometimes when i think .."oh i want a boyfriend etc.." then i remember..hmmmm...then i'd have to sleep w/ him all the time...maybe not..sorry not much help...i'm 44 can't say you get more sexual with age..some women can do it..and some are into it and then there are the other women..the ones that can go on and on w/out having sex..
u might have to learn to talk dirty or do things to speed things along in the sack,
good luck to u..i know what a drag it is to do it when u really don't want to..

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H.T.

answers from Las Vegas on

I know how you feel, I am sure almost every woman knows how you feel. Read The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands by Laura Schlesinger..not sure if that is how you spell her last name. Anyhow read it with an open mind. Half the people who read it hate it and completely disagree, the other half come to life improving realizations about your life and relationship with your hubby. For me I have always wanted to a sahm so my husband is working hard so that I can live my dream and be home for our kids. In return I am sure to have enough energy for him at bedtime. And like one lady said be grateful he wants it from you because he can go get it anywhere. Best of luck and good wishes to you.

H.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

4 kids wow, I don't know that i would be into it either. I don't think you'd be to happy if you husband came home and announced he wasn't going to go to work and provide for the family anymore because it felt like a chore, or that he wasn't going to praise you, or give you physical affection because it didn't benefit him. I think you need to continue making love to your husband because marriage is about both peoples needs.

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M.O.

answers from Los Angeles on

Well honey, in the words of Nike...ya gotta "Just Do it!" But seriously, I remember Dr. Toni Grant, she was a popular radio talk show host on KFI years ago; she talked about how women make it into more than they have to (we do...I know I have), when in reality, it doesn't take that "long", it can end up making you feel really good, (if you'll let it), and you should be just happy that your husband wants to--THIS IS THE WAY A MAN SHOWS LOVE, trust me on this! When he feels love for you, he wants to have sex. Now...if he's making you pull an all-nighter all the time, that is another story, as you sound like a very busy mom of four kids (as am I---five actually--every one of them wanted and well taken care of!)but hopefully this is not the case. The hurt feelings it can cause to turn him down usually really aren't worth it. You end up in a bigger mess and he feels rejected. So be happy, participate, and if you just can't stand it some nights, make bargains for "tomorrow"...he'll love the anticipation.

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L.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi E.,
I completely understand where you are coming from, but it's important to know that even if you don't need it, your husband NEEDS it to feel intimate with you, especially after having kids. Our husbands often feel as though they are last priority when kids are in the picture. You may find that he is more willing to do things for you when he feels loved and this is the way he feels loved. There is a GREAT book called The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Both my husband and I have read this book and it is hands down one of the best (and I've read many). When you read this what I'm saying will make a lot more sense. If possible, it's good for both of you to read it. In fact, I get a slightly discounted price on book through my mentorship business and I'd be happy to send you a copy if you'd like. I believe in it that much. It will really help. =0) Let me know and email me at ____@____.com. I don't live far from you as I'm on the edge of San Pedro. =0)
L.

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M.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I say....imagine the burden or "chore" it will be when he finds somebody else who doesn't mind loving on him for a few minutes. THAT would be a chore, raising four kids without his love and support. And yeah, sometimes it isn't the best timing or we are tired or busy or whatever, but you just gotta "get in the mood" woman, he deserves the fun time, and so do you! Good luck, and have fun....;)

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L.I.

answers from Los Angeles on

God Himself, who created Dr. Laura btw even tho I never listen to her either, says to give yourselves to each other because when you get married your body no longer belongs just to you but to your spouse too. This will keep you faithful (He is so smart, and some of these ladies are too). It seems like a chore for my husband too (we have the opposite problem) and have been through a lot in this area but he finally went to get his hormones checked and viola! But I've always wondered "what's wrong with me?" that he didn't want to - which hurt. So, maybe you should visit the doc but in the mean-time remember that love is a two-way street (my husband got this and it's so nice!) because that will keep your marriage strong.

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J.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello E.,
First...don't be embarrassed! It's Mamasource! You have to be able to go somewhere to ask the questions you can't ask anyone else.
I have been in your boat...most of my 9 year relationship I have been in your boat!! I would have been perfectly happy going about our lives without sex. I wouldn't enjoy it...I would dread it, wouldn't want to do it. The stress would only get worse because I would feel like I would have to do it. I wondered (often) if there was something wrong with me!
I can't say that it will continue to work forever but what is currently working for me right now is to have more sex...yes, I know...hard when you don't want to do it at all in the first place, but what I found was that now that were having sex more often, I want it more. I think about it more.
I've heard that a pastor at a local mega church challenged his married parishioners to have sex every single day for a week regardless if they "wanted" to or the "had the time". When they returned the following week it was an amazing transformation for so many couples. They were rejuvenating that aspect of their relationship in ways they never thought possible.
So I guess what I'm recommending is that you "just do it" but hopefully that will only take a few times before you're wanting to do it. Sex isn't just about the physical aspects of the act, it's about the bond you share and the ability you each have to make the other satisfied in a way no one else can.
Another thing that really helped for me is that we have started making out more often. Sounds simple, sounds like a couple of teenagers, I know but it's really made a difference. A make out session before sex is a hot thing! Especially when you've been married for quite some time and you tend to just jump right into sex.
But i realize that I might not even be addressing your question...you say that you don't feel the need to have sex. I guess that makes me want to ask, do you "want" to feel the need to have sex? I guess it would make a difference if you lack the drive or desire to have sex as opposed to you just have different priorities. So if you want to want to have sex more often, I guess my advice may be relevant. If you don't necessarily want to want to, then my recommendation would be for you to discuss openly with your husband and compromise on something that you can both live with.
By the way...you're a really great wife to be worried about something like this!! Best of luck!

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V.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

your hormonal level can be easily corrected with homeopathic treatment without leaving you with side-effect consequences of traditional medical approach. you have to see professional homeopath though, not the ND, MD or chiro who do homeopathy "on the side"
Good luck
V.

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H.K.

answers from Santa Barbara on

You must have sex with him if you don't want him to get it elsewhere.
Get a dildo to use and other toys to make sure that you have more orgasms. Do oral sex (receive) everytime.
take a class on American tantra to get your second chakra energies flowing.

If you don't have any sex drive and your children are over a year old then you need to look at what it wrong. It is important to have a healthy sex life and sex drive.

more orgasms makes for more desire. Plus, the more that you have sex/masturbate then the greater your drive will be become

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E.N.

answers from San Diego on

I know how you feel, and I only have 2 kids. I am so worn out by their "neediness" throughout the day, by the time I get to bed, it feels like just another "need" I have to take care of. My husband is very considerate, but I don't ever want to deny him, and he still feels bad about it if I am only consenting and not actually wanting it. He has been deployed for the last 5 months so I have had a lot of time to think about this. It is really nice to go to bed and truly be done for the day, but I would much rather have him home. I am really trying to change my attitude about it by the time he gets home. I don't know if you are a Christian, but I have started a book called "Intimate Issues" and it has really been changing my whole mindset. It is very strongly Christian, so if you are not open to that, I don't think you would find the book helpful, but I thought I would recommend it to you just in case. I have gotten several other books, too, that are meant to be specifically about that issue but none of them have been very helpful for me. I can't say that I have found the solution yet, but a friend of mine has found a good solution for her and her husband. They schedule it and she says it has been helpful for them. That way her husband knows and can look forward to getting some action, and she also knows and has time to try to get herself geared up for it. If things don't improve for me in that area after my husband gets home, we may try that. But I am hoping to find a better balance in that area and I hope you do too! :)

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A.P.

answers from San Diego on

Okay, I have to throw in my 2 cents...I have tried to make the hubby a priority every once in a while (b/c, for me, it's usually the kids). 1st thing in the morning, in the middle of the night, during my daughters' naps. Try initiating sex a time of the day when you don't typically & before you're physically/emotionally exhausted from the day. It may still feel like a chore for awhile, but you're doing what's best for you marriage. We all go through slumps, and as long as you are maintaining a healthy relationship, your libido will come back around...All the best!

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S.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Make him earn it and it'll be way more fun for both of you. There's "let's get this over with as quickly as possible" (boo) and then there's him earning it with more foreplay. If he seduces you a little, (lighting a candle, starting with a little shoulder rub, sexually pleasing you before he goes for the gold), you'll both have a lot more fun... and you may find yourself wanting to have sex, if only for the shoulder rub, ha!

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C.O.

answers from Los Angeles on

Give it to him, surprise him once in a while and initiate it (more than once a month the initiating part). He is your husband and I am a strong believer that we as wives have a duty to pleasure them. Otherwise someone else might start showing interest and if he is in a dry spell with you, he might be tempted. Not worth your marriage, smile and go for it.

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P.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi E.. You've received a lot of great responses. I hope you don't mind me sharing my experience.

I work full time and I have a toddler. Work can be stressful for me and I get home feeling drained. But after work, I'm a full time mommy. At the end of the day, all I want is to get a good night's sleep. However, I have to remember I'm also a wife. Sometimes when I'm tired and my husband wants "our" time, I just go for it and do a quickie. He'll feel good and I'll get my sleep. Luckily, my husband is just awesome. He helps me with chores and he lets me have my "me" time, whether it be mani/pedi, shopping or just reading a book.

Since you're a SAHM, do you get to go out with your friends? Do you take a break from being a mom? I sure hope you do or that you get a chance to. Try to take care of yourself and be happy with your self. I find that when I'm relaxed/pampered, I enjoy sex and not view it as a chore. Sex is a lot more satisfying when I'm not tired.

Good luck!

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L.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

E. I'm not Dr. Laura from 640 am KFI Radio but if you've
listened once you would know the answer.

Love making is an exchange of your devotion and love for one another. Your husband deserves to feel your curves and all the excitement that drew you together from day one.

Always remember that men will fee abandoned and a female who takes interests in him at work or the gym, place of business could say kind words to him that he would hear.
If you are making love and telling him how wonderful is and what a great husband father he is he'll never hear the words from another female he will only have ears for you.
Have fun under the sheets there are too many lonely women out there that wished they were married.
God Bless L. Burrola

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A.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Do you have needs you'd like him to meet every day? Imagine him rejecting that need every time you asked. I understand being tired and busy but realize that your marriage is important and will shape how your kids turn out, how they view marriage and how well their marriages will last.

Good luck!

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J.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi E.:
For starters,you ease your mind a little,by hearing from other women who share the same feelings.Believe me,you aren't the first,nor will you be the last.Your a SAHM caring for four children. It's only normal you'd feel exhausted by the end of your day.SEX is the furthest thing from your mind,when you've reached that moment,where the kids are all tucked away for the night,you've cleaned up the dinner dishes,folded the last load of clothes from the dryer,and while you'd love to have some free time to yourself,so you don't hit the pillow all wound up,you know,that your husband is laying there waiting for you to (Get it on)How many times have I trudged into the bedroom,thinking....And I'm not done YET! PLEASE let me know when your done,so I can go to SLEEP! lol. Oh sure, there's been times I've felt guilty thinking that way,but I have to wonder,if he's ever felt guilty,making such a request,when it was so obvious,I was ready to collapse from exhaustion.I guess the best way to explain our lack of desire,is preoccupation of what we had to look forward to the next morning,and starvation for inner peace. Men and women are so very different.Women need and crave romance,foreplay.They want to be held,and feel loved. Men, get an erection just toweling off after a shower! They have no need or desire for foreplay. What ever their efforts,they are purely selfish.I don't want to put all the blame on men. both sexes can get lazy,or take their partners for granted.You know,the ones that say "Let me rub your back honey" Then two minutes into the back rub,you've been flipped over and your legs are in the air! lol.E.: just know,that the feelings your experiencing,are not unusual.I've never thought it wise to (fake it) or submit,when you really don't want to have sex,however I have come to the realization,that if my husband and I only had sexual relations, when I was in the mood..... somewhere along the way,he would have probably joined the priesthood!!.Don't waste your time or money on Dr. Lauras book. It's demeaning,sarcastic and patronizing,explaining how to be (serviant) to your man.Everyone is entitled to their feelings.We all have the right to say NO. You merely come to an understanding between you. There are those times,when you just aren't in a sexual mood. It has nothing to do with his appeal,or inability to satisfy you. YOU simply want to be able to ENJOY those intimate moments together. We miss so many tender moments,because we feel holding each other close ultimately must lead to the act itself.Believe it or not,men love just being held sometimes to.Pick a night. "Baby, can we just lay here in each others arms tonight? I wish you only the best. J. M

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M.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

E.,
If you indeed enjoyed making love to your husband before then I suggest you get your thyroid checked and get off any type of birth control you may be on. Those were the two biggest factors for me as far as diminishing my sex drive. I wasted 9 years- from the time my first son was born. I finally got my thyroid checked and that made a HUGE difference, but the biggest difference was when I finally went off birth control pills and was finished nursing our youngest son. I am like a new woman. Granted, after our 3rd son, we are done having children and my husband has opted for a vasectomy, but even before then we just resorted to condoms. I would say that the fact that I even wanted to have sex was worth the inconvenience of using a condom.
Good luck to you

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C.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

Hi E.,
I didn't get a chance to read your other responses, but my hubby and I have been married for 12.5 years. We have both gone through this throughout the years. At times, I was too wrapped up in school and working a full time job and sometimes he was. We both work a lot of hours now, which probably has much to do with it, but somehow we try to make time for each other. But, certainly it was ON the first 3 years of our marriage, tired or not. I think all of our bodies and chemistry and therefore needs, change through the years and you may just come around and have interest again. I will say, I have been on both sides, and rejection does hurt.

Best of luck.
C.

S.I.

answers from San Diego on

Hi E.,

It may be the case that you're too stressed out by other responsibilities, and that's all there is to it. But it would be helpful to get checked out by a licensed naturopathic physician or other CAM practitioner. You want to rule out things like adrenal burnout and hypothyroid, which could result in symptoms like low libido at a young age. Best wishes....

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K.O.

answers from San Diego on

Encourage him to help out more around the house, with the kids, etc... which might free you up for some you time, which in turn translates to you and he time...
Good luck...

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M.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

No need to be embarrassed E., we all go through this situation.
I think the best solution is compromising. Does he know how you feel? Personally, once every week and a half should be good enough. It's usually every 2 weeks in my situation.
It's always a nice gesture to touch your husbands arm when you walk by or just give him a kiss for no reason. These things can boost his ego a bit, and feel like he is wanted.
It's so hard when you have as many kids as you have. Time is never your own, plus I can't imagine how tired you are at night time.....I feel for you!
Anyway, good luck and I hope you hget a lot of great suggestions from other moms!

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D.V.

answers from Los Angeles on

Nothing to be embarrassed about!!! Seriously! I'm telling you it's so normal. Felt the same way (sometimes still do : ). I was completely honest with my husband about it and probably explained it to him at his nauseum, but in the end it helped. He then began taking on a few of my chores. I don't wash a dish or clean up the kitchen at night. He takes on specific responsiblilities so I am less likely to be tired at night and it's amazing how much that helped. It has been amazing how much of an aphrodisiac that has been for me. Even when I am tired, I think of what an effort he made to make my chore list lighter and I'm able to get things going. Like an earlier responder said, once you commit, in the end it was usually worth it and then you are both feeling good.

But I definitely suggest talking it out and explain how the pressure to "fulfill his needs" is really a turnoff because therein lies the feeling of having another "chore" to do.

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C.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello... 33, SAHM to four wonderful kids you answered your question in the description. how much help are you getting around the house. you may be a tensy bit resentful for doing so much.
If he wants to have sex maybe he should consider wining and dining you again. Maybe create a date night or some way allow you to feel like a women again. do you ever go out without the kids. your other role is so strong you may not have time to remember what it is like to just be a woman.

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N.H.

answers from San Luis Obispo on

3 questions:
1. Do you get enough sleep? (HA, I know, I have 4 kids!)
2. Are your hormonal levels normal? Mine weren't so sex wasn't interesting to me for too long. Once they 'balanced out', we're back to normal.
3. Did you like sex BEFORE the kids? I'm asking this because I know women who have never really liked it or who had troubled pasts that caused them not to like sex. Once they worked through it, sex became enjoyable.
Just some things to keep in mind. Oh, and those who say that men DON'T need proper care are fooling themselves. We ALL need proper care!

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J.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

Definitly not alone in thinking this way. I work outside the home. My kids are 18, 13 & 8. I'm at work at 6:30am starting my day, he is still sleeping and can sleep in, he is self employeed. So if he has an early appointment he can make it so he can come home and take a nap or work it out where tomorrow he comes home early and takes a nap. I work from 6:30am to 12:30pm (not full time but I'm still a mom) I come home have an hour to clean up and start laundry or whatever, (because I'm not home to see the kids off, the house goes to hell in the morning) at 2 I go pick up my son have 20 minutes before I go pick up my daughter then 30 minutes till I pick up the next daughter. Which I'm still trying to get things done like bathrooms cleaned or whatever other things need to get done. After I pick up the 3rd kid (it's now 3:50pm)I start homework with my son. Yes, I still have to sit their with him to make him do it. Which takes 1 to 2 hours. It's now time to think about dinner but I'm still trying to get things done. So dinner gets put off till 8 I'm so tired that I get up from the table and go wash my face and get ready for bed, then get my son in bed and try to relax. I told my hubby he could have it every night if he was in bed at 10:00pm, not come upstairs at 10 or 10:30 and brush your teeth and take a shower for a half hour. I get up at 4:30 I need more then 4 or 5 hours sleep. He doesn't get it or he doesn't care. His answer is, then take a nap. (When? ) He is a night owl and want's it at 1 or 2 then wonders why I'm pissed of that he woke me up. (I have to get up in a couple hours and now I can't go back to sleep, the froggies that where keeping him up are now in me keeping me up).

Okay, so what helps us is sex in the afternoon. If he is home when I come home at 1:00 I have an hour to play. We both have more energy in the middle of the day. Get rid of the kids and be vacuuming naked when he comes in the house. Think nasty but romantic things as you are vacuuming so that you are getting turned on. This can't happen all the time since he works, but plan something, even if it's at the time he comes homes, have the kids gone so the focus is on him and only him. Make date nights. Even if it is a movie in your bedroom. As long as the kids know to stay out and watch the other kids they'll be fine. You don't have to do the sex thing till they do go to bed, but you got to snuggle cuddle and touch durring the movie.

Have him say nasty things to you on the phone this way it's on your mind more, it makes me more in the mood. Find code words for him to know your tired and not in the mood, to hurry and please himself and not worry about pleasing you tonight. Code words help not break the mood for him. My hubby told me that saying hurry was a put down when he wanted to make me fill good. But sometimes we just want to hurry and he is in the mood to last all night. Yes, sometimes it's another chore but try not to look at it that way, he want's to be with you, he want's to make you feel great, he want's to be intimute with you because that's what holds us together. Find something that works for you both, you will be glad that you did. Good luck to you. Let me know if you want more ideas and imput. J.

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H.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Dear E.,
Men need sexual intercourse much more than most women. Try to relax and enjoy it even though you don't need it...he does and you are being a wife and that is what he needs. Supply his sexual needs at home then he will be faithful. I know just hugging and kissing is usually enough for me too, but the man needs more. P.S. Dr. Laura would tell you this:)
H.

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