In a marriage is it OK for a wife to withhold affection (intimate or other wise) from her husband ?

I have heard both men and women complain about a lack of intimacy and affection from their partners. I don't understand how partners can do this to each other and risk pushing the other in to an affair.


In a marriage is it OK for a wife to withhold affection (intimate or other wise) from her husband ?
Unless a man is treating his wife like garbage, then sorry there's no excuse. I've seen a number of men stating all the extra things they've done for their wives including helping with the children, house and being romantic. You know what? It didn't work. I don't condone cheating (hate it actually) but some people cheat because they're not getting the emotional or physical intimacy from their partner.





So is your partner cheating on you or divorcing you due to a lack of intimacy more painful? I don't know about you but if I give everything I've got to someone and bend over backwards for them, I expect the same in return. Otherwise, I'd have to question their love for me and if they even care. Both people have to make an effort for a relationship to work.In a marriage is it OK for a wife to withhold affection (intimate or other wise) from her husband ?
It's not a good idea to do so for an extended period. Now, we are not talking about a few days I assume.





Even the New Testament addresses this:


1 Corinthians 7:3-5


';The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.';





Keep in mind this is a two way street. We all have our own idea of what makes us happy, our own priorities of emotional needs. If a woman is not feeling loved, she may not respond very well to her husband when he wants affection.





We all can get lazy, not making the effort to make our spouse feel wanted and loved, but then expect them to just be in the mood when it suits them.





This can go both ways, but especially for women. For example, if a woman feels ignored, gets no communication or assistance from her man all day long. But, then, when nothing is on TV, when it's late, he now wants her to instantly be in the mood. Most likely, she will say no. Just taking some time to make her feel more appreciated, to talk and listen would have really helped this situation. Maybe help get the kids ready for bed and let her have a break would leave her with more energy for her man later. Meet more of her emotional needs before, and her man will most likely get a more responsive woman later!





Look at it from another way, if her man feels loved when he gets physical intimacy, then he may feel rejected and unloved when his wife says no frequently. Both spouses need to look at what is important to themselves and for their partner. Don't assume what makes you feel loved is what is important to your spouse.





There is always a choice. This is not an excuse to start an affair. Someone isn't 'pushed' into an affair, it is a terrible choice that they must take responsibility for themselves.





If one is not happy within the relationship, then seek help to work our the problem before bringing a third party into the mess. Communicate, tell your partner what your feeling. Find resources.
A lot of men (and women) need to view this from both sides. Women need emotional fulfillment which yields to ';reciprocation'; of fulfilling the mutually desired physical fulfillment. When a man neglects his wife emotionally she will not crave intimacy. Emotional fulfillment is a prerequisite for intimacy (for most women).
Sure,we do it all the time. Does`nt mean you have to rush off into an affair. It`s called staying faithful no matter what. It`s a lame excuse, and usually not true, to say ';She/he always has a headache'; using that as an excuse to play away.. Perhaps sitting down and discussing what to do to put the relationship right, would be better than causing more grief, by having a bit on the side. When and if it does come to that, then they should go their seperate ways.
This has happened to me. My wife only wanted to share intimacy if I gave her money. This pushed me away. I began to put more effort in flirting with other women. I also found that many women were receptive to my advances, even if they were married. I never cheated. But it was constantly on my mind.
No doubt. I think it is the spouse's duty to put out, whether or not they feel like it. It isn't fair to the one to do without, just because the other one wants to be a selfish little brat.
Man I've been there. What you consider withholding my not be what she considers it. Taking a day or two or three off isn't withholding sex. Months would be.
Yeah, why not it's nice to play hard to get and eventually give in.