I used to be cuddly and want sex, now I don't like being touched at all.

I'm newly married (May 2023) . Before we got married we had regular sex, we were very affectionate. Now I can't stand it. I have asd and my partner hasn't. He's really understanding, but I hate rejecting him all the time. The sex is amazing when we do, but the kissing and cuddling makes me not want to.  

How can I change this ? 

Parents
  • Sorry I’m finding it difficult to get my head around this. When I enjoy  something I generally keep doing it until something stops me. Even to excess sometimes. So I guess my question must be what’s changed? Is it him or is it you? Has he grown less attractive? Become less attentive? Are you more stressed? Or depressed? Something must’ve changed although I can’t possibly know what it is based on what you told us.

  • permit me some really wild speculation and if I’m wrong just tell me. could it be what’s changed is you and that you’ve gotten bored. any  new relationship is super exciting just by being new. You say he’s super affectionate but maybe that’s a little vanilla? Maybe its all just feels a bit samey and your yearning for some variety? 

    as I say I’m just speculating.

  • It's very samey, predictable. I have got alot of stresses, my mum died back in February and I don't think I've dealt with it very well. I also only got my autism diagnosis a few weeks ago and I'm always stuck at home sorting the house out while he's at work. It annoys me he's normal and I'm not and I wish I could be more like him sometimes. Idk. It's a mixture of things I think :/

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  • It's very samey, predictable. I have got alot of stresses, my mum died back in February and I don't think I've dealt with it very well. I also only got my autism diagnosis a few weeks ago and I'm always stuck at home sorting the house out while he's at work. It annoys me he's normal and I'm not and I wish I could be more like him sometimes. Idk. It's a mixture of things I think :/

Children
  • Just thought I'd add my thoughts again...

    I can honestly say that if I had been in a relationship when my dad died, I think it is highly unlikely I would have been in the mood for anything other than a comforting cuddle, as I was too consumed with grief. The death of your mother is an immense thing to come to terms with. It's hardly surprising that you're feeling the way you are, and that's before one considers everything else you have mentioned.

    Although I don't claim to be a relationship expert, I think it can often be the case that when a relationship goes through a rocky patch, it's the result of several issues building up over time, rather than one particular thing. If it's of any consolation, your situation sounds perfectly normal to me. Chances are, you and your husband will likely find yourself encountering more bumps along the way. It's just a matter of working with each other to resolve any issues as and when they arise.

    For what it's worth, I think Iain has offered some excellent suggestions.

  • I think that's probably a good idea. I've suggested counselling in the past, I think now is the time to get the ball rolling. 

  • It sounds like you need to speak to a therapist to me - someone to help you process the grief, manage your stress/anxiety levels and deal with the resentment that is building.

    Once you have worked through this, it may still take some couples counselling to get your husband on board with getting a bit spicier from time to time. Some men need to have it spelled out to them and more probably would enjoy the extra fun that comes with this.