Ask a Jury
Original post
Andy

I've been with my girlfriend for three years. Throughout our relationship, she has never initiated sexual intimacy. It's always been me. Recently, I asked her why sometimes, after she has an orgasm, she simply rolls over without showing interest in my satisfaction. She told me that she never asked for sex in the first place and that sometimes she just goes along with it because it's easier. She has explained that she doesn't have the same sex drive as me, which I completely understand and accept. What troubles me is that she has only turned me down a couple of times in three years. Since her admission, I have no idea whether she's genuinely interested when we have sex or whether she's simply agreeing because it's easier. I'd genuinely rather she turned me down more often, so that when we are intimate, I can feel confident she actually wants to be there. I don't want sex out of obligation. I want to feel wanted and desired by my partner, and I want intimacy to be something we both willingly participate in. Her comment that she never asked for sex also makes me feel as though my needs and satisfaction don't matter because I was the one who initiated. I don't expect our sex drives to be identical, and I don't believe she owes me sex. But I do believe both partners should care about each other's needs, even when those needs differ. After three years, I'm questioning whether we're sexually compatible and whether my expectations are unreasonable.

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Question for the jury

Am I unreasonable for questioning our intimacy when I can't tell whether my girlfriend genuinely wants it?

The verdict

3–2–1

6 jurors voted

Majority350%

Her admission that she sometimes goes along with sex needs to be addressed before anything else.

233%

No — wanting genuine mutual desire and consideration is reasonable.

117%

Neither is wrong, but your sexual needs may be incompatible.

0

Yes — different sex drives and rarely initiating don't necessarily mean she doesn't desire you.

The Jury’s Read

You’re grappling with a complex situation, and it seems the jury leans toward the importance of addressing your girlfriend's admission. Her willingness to engage in intimacy out of convenience suggests deeper issues that may require exploration. Many see a need for open dialogue, as underlying trauma or discomfort might be influencing her actions. It’s clear you both deserve to feel genuinely desired, so reflecting on this dynamic together could be crucial for your relationship's health.

Where they split:

A minority thinks your differing sex drives don’t inherently mean she lacks desire, valuing the need for patience and understanding.

From the jury

Why they voted

Muneca1126Juror

My husband has a high sex drive and I sometimes just say yes because it’s easier as well. I don’t initiate much because I just don’t have the mental or emotional energy. I’ve been through a lot of betrayal with him so that’s part of the reason. I also need to feel emotionally safe to be in the mood for sex.

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IvationJuror

I am your girlfriend (in my spirit). My aversion to sex comes from abuse and how I managed it in my youth. I don't your girlfriend's past. But married 26 years sex is ALL we ever fight about. Figure it out before you settle for this kind of life. More importantly though I am concerned your gf is dealing with some trauma or other personal sexual struggle that makes her uninterested in sex. Or perhaps hormonal. Regardless she needs some counseling imo. Because needing intimacy is an inherent need. You need to see if this is a path you want to stay on. You deserve a partner who desires you.

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BuCKibiRDiEJuror

There are two people in this relationship. With that comes taking your partners feelings seriously. I would question each of your love languages, and find a way to meet in the middle. I would also question if she has had a trauma in the past? Getting to the root of the situation would help each of you.

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ScarSkinwalkerJuror

As someone who has felt that it is easier to go along with sex, it needs to be talked about. There could be something underlying that she hasn't told you about whether she's still dealing with it or she doesn't know how to talk about it. Make sure when you talk to her, she doesn't feel like she's being judged or put on trial. It's best to make her feel safe so she will open up to you about why she's feeling that way.

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shut_the_doorJuror

You are not sexually compatable and that is ok, but now is the time to make your peace with it and move on. She will be much happier with someone she can be comfortable with and you will be too. If you continue, this will only breed unhappiness and resentment. Do you want this for the rest of your life? Part now as friends.

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quietjuror0304Juror

She has spelled out in black and white what is going on. Believe her. If what she told you is true it is 100% easy to comprehend what is going on. She made her case and was clear about it. She is not that into sex but engages so you have an experience as she sees that reasonable that you have a sex life but she is not doing things out of enjoyment. This whole thing is extremely common. lResearch it and you will see. I feel your despair and it’s legitimate. Besides the intimacy does she bring enough to the table to still be with her? If yes, you are going to have to adapt to this sad reality (her views on your sex life). If she brings very little else or not enough, this is a relationship that is crumbling and your best bet would be to walk away. What is happening is more common that you may know but you do not have to sign up to be a part of it forever if it is wrong to you. The ball is in your court.

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