You took your marriage vows with a clear conscience and a full, infatuated heart. At the time, you were convinced nothing could possibly diminish your deep physical attraction for each other. But life happens and now you are decidedly not attracted to your spouse? Read on for some marriage advice that will help restore your physical attraction.
During the honeymoon phase of your marriage just the thought of your lover would send tingles to the very tips of your toes. Fast forward six years, two kids, a mortgage, car payments, the stresses of every day life and the steady expansion of your spouse’s gut. Now you find that long-held physical attraction has begun to wane. To be perfectly blunt, you’re simply not attracted to him/her anymore.
Loss of attraction in couples is normal
According to Dennis K. Lin, a sex therapist and psychiatrist at Beth Israel Medical Center in Manhattan, it’s important to acknowledge that this drop in sexual desire is usually regarded as normal as something to be expected.
Most couples in a long-term relationship experience a decline in sexual desire and a growing lack of sexual interest in each other, a reduction in how often they have sex and perhaps also a decline in the level of sexual pleasure and excitement they get when they’re making love, says Dr. Lin. But this is okay, and you can do something about it.
Handling loss of physical attraction
As time goes on you may find that your spouse has put on a few pounds, let themselves go or aged in an unfavorable way. This applies to men and women alike. There is no need to feel guilty for having these feelings as long as you try to fix them, notes Dr. Lin. The problem is that many people handle their loss of attraction for their spouse in the wrong way by talking trash to them, or just going out and cheating on them.
Loss of attraction for your spouse can certainly be a recipe for divorce and/or a breeding ground for infidelity but it doesn’t have to be, says Dr. Lin. One thing that’s certain: it’s a lot better to work at restoring your relationship so it’s exciting, powerful, passionate and committed rather than abandon it and go off and start again. That often produces only heartbreak and misery for all.
7 Ways to renew your physical attraction
Dr. Lin offer these tips which can help you increase your physical attraction to your spouse in a way that is positive and supportive for him.
#1 Quit buying the junk food
If it’s your partner’s weight that is the problem, then start stocking your house with healthy options rather then the bad stuff. This will help them to reach for the good stuff and not be tempted by all the junk. Then you can state that you want the two for you to get in better shape to improve the health of your bodies and marriage.
#2. Look at yourself
As time goes on we of course age. Take a good look at yourself and see how you’ve changed over the years as well. It’s easy to pick apart all the things wrong with your spouse, but doing this to yourself can be tough. If there are things about yourself you don’t like, then work on them. If your partner sees you’re taking better care of yourself, he will most likely do the same.
#3 Remember the things you love about your spouse
Don’t focus on all the negative things about your spouse. No one is perfect! Do think about all their good qualities. It can be so easy to dwell on the bad, but every time you catch yourself doing this, stop, and think positive. This can help you in every aspect of your life.
#4 Talk it out
Be open and honest with your spouse and tell him or her how you feel. Sure it will hurt a little, but do it in a nice way. Say you want the both of you to take better care of yourselves. This means eating right, exercising and taking the time to fix yourselves up.
#5 Remember all the things you’ve been through
Look back through the years at all the things the two of you have been through; buying a house and having children, for example. Remembering what the two of you have been through will strengthen the bond between you.
#6 Try not to be self-centered
Perhaps you are only looking at the physical aspect of the attraction when there is more to someone then just his or her looks. Make sure you notice all the good characteristics of your spouse. Take the time to liven things up and bring back the old spark the two of you used to have.
# 7 Get counseling
Maybe you would benefit from some marriage counseling (or even some individual therapy). There is no shame in getting counseling. You are doing it to improve your relationship. Ask your spouse to go with you by telling him you want to strengthen your relationship. Your spouse should be willing to do this for the two of you.
I needed to read this. With the baby in school, I have a lot of time on my hands. I’m wondering if my husband will annoy me or we can rekindle our youthful days. I’ve been a stay at home mom for almost 13 years. I’m scared and excited 🙂