Intimacy-starved, romance-deprived, and craving physical connection? You’re not alone. Sexless marriages are more common than you think, and they’re a lot more complex than just “no sex.” From emotional disconnection to underlying medical issues, the reasons behind a sexless union can be multifaceted and deeply personal. But fear not, my fellow love-deprived comrades - we’re about to dive headfirst into the juicy, steamy, and sometimes slightly awkward world of what do you call a sexless marriage. Buckle up, because this ride is going to be one wild, thought-provoking, and possibly even giggly journey.

1. The “Roommates with Benefits” Scenario

Remember that episode of Friends where Monica and Chandler were essentially “roommates with benefits”? Well, that’s a pretty accurate way to describe one type of sexless marriage. In this scenario, the couple may still live together, share expenses, and even engage in non-sexual physical intimacy, but the spark and passion have long since fizzled out. It’s a relationship in name only, with both parties often feeling more like platonic housemates than life partners.

The Importance of Reigniting that Flame

If you find yourself in a “roommates with benefits” situation, it’s crucial to have an honest discussion with your partner about the state of your relationship. What do you call a sexless marriage like this? Maybe it’s time to explore ways to rekindle that flame, whether through couples counseling, date nights, or simply making more of an effort to connect on an emotional level.

2. The “Asexual” Approach

In some cases, a sexless marriage may be the result of one or both partners identifying as asexual. Asexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction, and it’s perfectly valid and normal. If both partners are comfortable with a sexless relationship, then it’s not necessarily a problem. However, if one partner is asexual and the other is not, it can lead to feelings of frustration, resentment, and incompatibility.

Communication and Compromise are Key

In a sexless marriage where one partner is asexual, open and honest communication is crucial. Couples may need to explore alternative forms of intimacy, compromise on the level of sexual activity, or even consider whether the relationship is sustainable in the long run.

3. The “Medical Issue” Scenario

Sometimes, the reason behind a sexless marriage can be attributed to a medical condition or physical limitation. This could be anything from hormonal imbalances and chronic pain to the side effects of certain medications. In these cases, it’s important for the couple to work closely with healthcare professionals to address the underlying issue and explore possible solutions.

Empathy and Understanding are Vital

When dealing with a sexless marriage due to medical reasons, it’s essential that both partners approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Avoid placing blame or making assumptions, and instead focus on finding ways to maintain intimacy and connection despite the physical challenges.

4. The “Emotional Disconnect” Dilemma

One of the most common reasons for a sexless marriage is an emotional disconnect between the partners. This can stem from a variety of factors, such as unresolved conflicts, lack of communication, or simply growing apart over time. When the emotional intimacy in a relationship deteriorates, the physical intimacy often follows suit.

Rebuilding Emotional Closeness

If your sexless marriage is rooted in an emotional disconnect, it’s crucial to work on rebuilding that closeness. This may involve seeking couples therapy, practicing active listening, and making a conscious effort to reconnect on a deeper level.

5. The “Trauma and Trust” Challenge

In some cases, a sexless marriage may be the result of past trauma or a breach of trust within the relationship. This could be anything from infidelity to sexual abuse. The healing process can be long and difficult, but it’s essential for the couple to address these issues head-on in order to move forward.

Prioritizing Emotional and Physical Safety

When dealing with a sexless marriage stemming from trauma or trust issues, it’s vital that both partners feel emotionally and physically safe. This may require the guidance of a therapist or counselor, as well as a willingness to be vulnerable and rebuild trust.

6. The “Mismatched Libidos” Predicament

Another common reason for a sexless marriage is a mismatch in sexual desire between the partners. One person may have a higher libido than the other, leading to feelings of frustration, rejection, and resentment.

Finding Compromise and Balance

In a sexless marriage due to mismatched libidos, it’s important for the couple to find a compromise and strike a balance. This may involve open communication, exploring new ways of being intimate, or even considering non-monogamous arrangements (with the full consent and understanding of both partners).

7. The “Lack of Effort” Lament

Sometimes, a sexless marriage can simply be the result of a lack of effort or prioritization of physical intimacy. As couples navigate the demands of everyday life, it’s easy for sex and physical connection to fall by the wayside.

Rekindling the Spark with Intention

If your sexless marriage is due to a lack of effort, it’s time to make physical intimacy a priority again. This may involve scheduling regular date nights, trying new activities in the bedroom, or simply making more of an effort to be affectionate and present with your partner.

8. The “Hormonal Changes” Challenge

Hormonal changes, whether due to aging, pregnancy, or other medical factors, can also contribute to a sexless marriage. These fluctuations can affect libido, sexual function, and overall desire for physical intimacy.

Addressing Hormonal Imbalances

If hormonal changes are at the root of your sexless marriage, it’s important to work with healthcare professionals to address any underlying issues. This may involve medication, lifestyle changes, or other interventions to help restore hormonal balance and reignite the spark.

9. The “Affair” Aftermath

In some cases, a sexless marriage may be the result of an affair or infidelity. The breach of trust and feelings of betrayal can be incredibly damaging to a relationship, often leading to a complete shutdown of physical and emotional intimacy.

Rebuilding Trust and Intimacy After Infidelity

Recovering from an affair and rebuilding a sexless marriage can be an arduous process, but it’s not impossible. Couples may need to engage in extensive therapy, practice radical honesty, and be willing to put in the hard work to regain trust and intimacy.

10. The “Acceptance” Approach

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for a sexless marriage. For some couples, the decision to accept and embrace a sexless relationship may be the healthiest and most fulfilling path forward.

Redefining Intimacy and Connection

If both partners are genuinely content with a sexless marriage, it’s important to redefine what intimacy and connection look like for them. This may involve exploring alternative forms of physical and emotional closeness, or simply focusing on the non-sexual aspects of the relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 5 FAQs related to the topic of “what do you call a sexless marriage”:

What is a sexless marriage?

A sexless marriage is a relationship where the couple engages in little to no sexual activity. There is no single definition, but generally, a sexless marriage is considered one where the couple has sex less than 10 times per year. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as lack of intimacy, low libido, relationship issues, or medical conditions.

What are the signs of a sexless marriage?

Some common signs of a sexless marriage include:

• Lack of physical touch and affection
• Avoidance of conversations about sex
• Feelings of resentment or bitterness about the lack of sex
• Seeking sexual fulfillment outside the marriage
• Declining to initiate or respond to sexual advances
• Feeling emotionally distant from your partner

What are the causes of a sexless marriage?

There are many potential causes of a sexless marriage, including:

• Medical issues like low libido, erectile dysfunction, or hormonal imbalances
• Emotional or psychological factors like stress, depression, or past trauma
• Relationship problems like poor communication, lack of intimacy, or unresolved conflicts
• Changes in life circumstances like having children, going through a major life transition, or aging
• Differences in sexual desires or preferences between partners

How can a sexless marriage be addressed?

Addressing a sexless marriage often requires a multifaceted approach. Some strategies include:

• Seeking couples counseling or sex therapy to improve communication and intimacy
• Making lifestyle changes to reduce stress and improve overall well-being
• Addressing any underlying medical issues with the help of a healthcare provider
• Experimenting with new ways to be intimate that don’t necessarily involve penetrative sex
• Setting aside dedicated time for physical and emotional connection with your partner

What are the consequences of a sexless marriage?

A sexless marriage can have significant consequences, both for the individuals and the relationship as a whole. Some potential consequences include:

• Feelings of loneliness, isolation, and emotional disconnection
• Resentment, frustration, and loss of intimacy
• Decreased self-esteem and body image
• Higher rates of infidelity and marital dissatisfaction
• Impact on overall relationship quality and marital stability
• Potential mental health issues like depression or anxiety