“Honey, remember when we used to ahem get it on like rabbits? Yeah, me neither. If your bedroom has become more desert than jungle, you might be wondering: can I divorce over this?” Ah, the age-old question that’s keeping couples up at night (and not in a good way). Let’s dive into the juicy details, shall we?

When is a Marriage Considered Sexless?

According to relationship experts, a marriage is considered sexless when a couple has sex less than 10 times a year. But let’s be real, even once a month can feel like a drought for some. The definition is subjective, and it ultimately comes down to what works for you and your partner.

Factors That Can Lead to a Sexless Marriage

• Stress, anxiety, and depression
• Hormonal changes, medical conditions, or medication side effects
• Unresolved conflicts and resentment in the relationship
• Differing libidos and sexual needs between partners
• Lack of intimacy, communication, and emotional connection

Can You Get a Divorce Over a Sexless Marriage?

The short answer is: yes, you can get a divorce because of a sexless marriage. While it may not be the sole reason, an ongoing lack of physical intimacy can be grounds for divorce in many jurisdictions. After all, sex and physical affection are a crucial part of a healthy, fulfilling marriage for most people.

Legal Considerations for Sexless Marriage Divorce

• Depending on your location, sexless marriage may be considered grounds for irreconcilable differences or mental cruelty.
• Some states require a specific length of time (e.g., 1 year) of no sexual contact before it can be used as a reason for divorce.
• In certain cases, a lack of sex may be considered marital misconduct, which can impact alimony and asset division.

Strategies to Revive a Sexless Marriage

Before pulling the plug, it’s worth exploring ways to reignite the spark. After all, marriage is a long game, and sex ebbs and flows throughout the relationship.

Communication and Intimacy-Building Exercises

• Have an open and honest conversation about your sexual needs and desires.
• Try new activities to build emotional and physical intimacy, such as couples counseling, date nights, or sensual massage.
• Experiment with new techniques, toys, or role-playing to spice things up in the bedroom.

Addressing Underlying Issues

• Seek individual or couples therapy to work through any underlying issues, such as resentment, trust, or mental health concerns.
• Make lifestyle changes to reduce stress and improve overall well-being, such as exercise, mindfulness, or better sleep habits.
• Consult a medical professional if physical or hormonal factors are contributing to the problem.

When to Call it Quits: Deciding on Divorce

If you’ve exhausted all attempts to revive the physical aspect of your marriage and the lack of sex is a dealbreaker, it may be time to consider divorce. But it’s a weighty decision, and you’ll want to carefully evaluate the following:

Assessing the Impact of a Sexless Marriage

• How important is physical intimacy to you, and how much are you willing to compromise?
• Are there other issues in the marriage, or is the lack of sex the primary problem?
• How is the sexless marriage affecting your mental, emotional, and physical well-being?

Seeking Professional Guidance

• Consult a therapist or counselor to help you navigate the decision-making process.
• Speak with a divorce attorney to understand your legal rights and options.
• Consider separation or mediation as an alternative to outright divorce, if applicable.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, can you get a divorce because of a sexless marriage? The answer is a resounding yes. While it may not be the sole reason, an ongoing lack of physical intimacy can be grounds for divorce in many cases. But before you make that leap, it’s worth exploring ways to revive the spark and address the underlying issues. After all, a healthy sex life is just one part of a fulfilling marriage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a divorce because of a sexless marriage?

The decision to divorce due to a sexless marriage is a complex and personal one. While a lack of sexual intimacy can certainly be a contributing factor, it is not typically the sole reason for seeking a divorce. Other factors, such as communication issues, emotional disconnection, and overall incompatibility, often play a significant role in the decision-making process.

How common are sexless marriages?

Sexless marriages are more common than one might think. Studies suggest that approximately 15-20% of married couples have not had sex with their partner in the last six months to a year. However, the definition of a “sexless” marriage can vary, and the frequency of sexual activity that is considered “normal” or “acceptable” is highly subjective and can depend on the individual couple’s expectations and preferences.

Can a sexless marriage be grounds for divorce?

In most jurisdictions, a sexless marriage alone is not considered legal grounds for divorce. Divorce laws typically focus on factors such as irreconcilable differences, adultery, or abandonment. However, a sexless marriage can be a symptom of deeper underlying issues that may be grounds for divorce, such as a breakdown in communication, emotional intimacy, or overall incompatibility.

How can a couple address a sexless marriage?

Addressing a sexless marriage can involve a variety of strategies, including:

• Seeking couples counseling or therapy to improve communication and address the underlying issues
• Experimenting with new intimacy-building activities and techniques
• Addressing any physical or medical factors that may be contributing to the lack of sexual intimacy
• Discussing and setting realistic expectations for the frequency and nature of sexual activity

What are the potential consequences of a long-term sexless marriage?

A prolonged lack of sexual intimacy in a marriage can have various consequences, both for the individuals and the relationship. These may include:

• Feelings of resentment, rejection, and emotional disconnection
• Decreased self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy
• Increased risk of infidelity or seeking sexual fulfillment outside the relationship
• Overall deterioration of the quality of the marriage and the couple’s emotional and physical connection