You’ve been with your partner for years, but the bedroom is drier than the Sahara. Maybe you’ve tried everything - date nights, lingerie, therapy, bribery, and still, nothing. It’s time to face the hard truth - your relationship has become sexless. But when do you know it’s time to call it quits? Let’s dive into the top 10 signs that your sexless relationship has run its course.

1. The Intimacy Nosedive

Remember those steamy early days when you couldn’t keep your hands off each other? Well, those days are long gone. If physical intimacy has completely fizzled, and you find yourselves going weeks or even months without so much as a peck on the cheek, it may be time to have a serious talk. Lack of intimacy is one of the clearest signs that the spark has been extinguished.

2. Resentment Takes Over

Resentment is the relationship equivalent of black mold - it starts small, but if left unchecked, it can quickly spread and destroy everything in its path. If you find yourself constantly feeling angry, bitter, or even resentful towards your partner due to the sexless situation, it’s a telltale sign that the relationship is heading south.

3. Constant Excuses and Avoidance

Does your partner always have an excuse for why they’re not in the mood? Do they actively avoid physical intimacy, making excuses to stay late at work or go out with friends? Constantly making excuses or avoiding sex altogether is a clear indicator that they’re no longer interested in maintaining that aspect of the relationship.

4. Feeling Unattractive and Unwanted

When the physical spark fades, it’s common for one or both partners to start feeling unattractive and unwanted. If you find yourself constantly questioning your desirability or feeling rejected every time you initiate intimacy, it’s a sign that the relationship may be beyond repair.

5. Lack of Effort and Initiative

In a healthy relationship, both partners should be putting in effort to maintain physical and emotional intimacy. If you’re the only one making attempts to reignite the flame, and your partner shows no initiative or interest in reciprocating, it may be time to reevaluate the future of the relationship.

6. Turning to Infidelity (or Fantasizing About It)

When a relationship becomes sexless, it’s natural for one or both partners to start seeking physical and emotional fulfillment elsewhere. Whether it’s through actual infidelity or just constant fantasizing about other people, this is a surefire sign that the relationship is in trouble.

7. Withdrawal from the Relationship

If your partner has become emotionally and physically withdrawn from the relationship, it could be a sign that they’ve already checked out. This might manifest in things like decreased communication, reduced quality time spent together, or a general sense of disconnection.

8. Lack of Intimacy in Other Areas

While a sexless relationship is certainly the primary issue, it often goes hand-in-hand with a lack of intimacy in other areas as well. If you find that you and your partner are no longer sharing meaningful conversations, expressing affection, or engaging in other forms of emotional intimacy, it may be time to consider whether the relationship is worth salvaging.

9. Feeling Trapped and Unfulfilled

When a relationship becomes sexless, it’s common for one or both partners to feel trapped and unfulfilled. If you find yourself constantly daydreaming about being with someone else or feeling like you’re missing out on essential aspects of a fulfilling romantic life, it may be time to have an honest conversation about the future of the relationship.

10. Inability to Resolve the Issue

Have you and your partner tried everything to reignite the spark - counseling, open communication, date nights, and still, nothing seems to work? If you’ve exhausted all your options and the sexless situation remains unresolved, it may be a sign that the relationship has reached its natural end.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to deciding when to call it quits in a sexless relationship. The most important thing is to be honest with yourself and your partner about your needs and desires. If you’ve tried everything and the relationship is still not meeting your basic emotional and physical needs, it may be time to have a difficult but necessary conversation about the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 5 FAQs related to the topic of “when to call it quits in a sexless relationship”:

How common are sexless relationships?

Sexless relationships are more common than you might think. Estimates suggest that around 15-20% of all relationships are sexless, meaning that the couple has sex less than 10 times per year. While the definition of a “sexless” relationship can be subjective, it’s clear that a lack of physical intimacy is a challenge faced by many couples.

What are some common causes of a sexless relationship?

There are various factors that can contribute to a sexless relationship. Some common causes include underlying health issues (e.g., low libido, erectile dysfunction), unresolved conflicts or resentment, stress, depression, differing sexual needs or desires, and a general disconnect or lack of emotional intimacy between partners. It’s important to identify the root cause in order to address the issue.

How can a couple try to revive a sexless relationship?

If both partners are committed to improving their sex life, there are several strategies they can try. These may include seeking couples counseling, communicating openly about their needs and desires, incorporating new intimacy-building activities, addressing any underlying physical or mental health concerns, and making a concerted effort to prioritize physical closeness. The key is for both partners to be willing to put in the work.

When is it time to consider ending a sexless relationship?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as every relationship is unique. However, some signs that it may be time to call it quits include a complete lack of sexual or emotional intimacy, an unwillingness by one or both partners to address the issue, and a growing sense of resentment, frustration, or incompatibility. If efforts to revive the relationship have been exhausted and both partners are ultimately unhappy, it may be healthiest to consider parting ways.

What are the emotional implications of ending a sexless relationship?

Ending any relationship, especially a long-term one, can be emotionally challenging. In the case of a sexless relationship, there may be feelings of grief, guilt, shame, or a sense of failure. It’s important for both partners to give themselves time and space to process these emotions, seek support from loved ones, and potentially seek professional counseling. Ultimately, leaving a sexless relationship can allow both individuals to find greater fulfillment, even if it’s difficult in the short term.