Why do I feel like my husband isn't attracted to me?
In some cases, love can wane because one or both partners "let go" of their physical appearance. In some cases, attraction begins to dissipate because partners no longer make one another a priority. In still others, attraction wanes without a distinct, identifiable source, and couples find themselves growing apart.
In fact, couples therapists say that feeling is quite common. “Loss of attraction tends to develop over time when partners no longer share new or exciting experiences,” says Rebecca Phillips, a therapist in Frisco, TX. “When you're no longer curious about your partner, you can feel stagnant and bored.”
How do you tell if your husband still desires you?
They go out of their way to make you happy.
Initially in a relationship, it seems like both people are constantly doing things to make the other person happy, but sometimes this can fade. If your spouse is still making a conscious effort to be thoughtful, then you know they're still madly in love.
If your attraction has dissipated over time, then you need to have an honest and open conversation with your partner. This is understandably going to be highly uncomfortable but hiding your feelings will only serve to drive them further underground and detract from your sexual attraction.
It is true that many people manage to stay together with little to no physical attraction. Severe health issues notwithstanding, some of these people are engaged in child-centered marriages or they've found a way to sublimate their sexual desire via work, sports, or even substance dependence.
The lack of physical touch, emotional connection, and sexual intimacy can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also cause physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, and decreased libido.
Any sudden loss of libido should be evaluated medically. Hormone imbalance, depression, weight changes or underlying illness can affect sexual desire. But the fact that you feel it to be "repulsive" may point to other causes.
Depression and anxiety can also arise to the lack of sexual satisfaction in a man's life. Sexual satisfaction is important to keep mental health problems in check. This can even lead to further physical problems like erectile dysfunction.
You're less interested in spending time together: When a relationship loses its spark, you may spend more time with your friends than your partner. You may even find that you're very easily annoyed by them, causing you to punish your partner or avoid each other altogether.
Some mental health examples include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or even obsessive compulsive disorder. When someone is under distress due to an imbalance of emotions, then they are less like to show their partner affection.
You Start Shutting Off or Disconnecting Emotionally
Sometimes you may start feeling that your spouse's problems are not yours and begin distancing yourself from him or her. Your partner might try to connect with you or share some issues, but you don't want to get involved or give your opinion.
What are the stages of realizing your marriage is over?
The emotional process can be broken down into 5 stages: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. D-A-B-D-A. Those 5 stages represent grief over the loss of a relationship and marriage.
Husbands want more physical affection and touch from their wife — and not just sex. So cuddle up to him while you watch a show, give him a big hug and kiss hello, a back rub or some foreplay. Initiate sex! Make an effort to show some physical affection towards him consistently.
Intimacy in a relationship is a feeling of being close, and emotionally connected and supported. It means being able to share a whole range of thoughts, feelings and experiences that we have as human beings.
Expect the passion to last two to three years at most, says Dr. Fred Nour, a neurologist in Mission Viejo, California, and author of the book “True Love: How to Use Science to Understand Love.”
