Does sexless marriage justify adultery?

Asked by: Dell Sporer PhD  |  Last update: June 1, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (25 votes)

The answer is an emphatic NO! A sexless marriage does not ever justify infidelity. Infidelity does not lead to anything good. Cheaters always get caught and it causes great distress for both partners and could possibly ruin any chance of relationship healing.

When to walk away from a sexless marriage?

In an easier sense, I believe the point you should leave is if your partner is completely unwilling to acknowledge, let alone work on, the lack of sex in the relationship, or if your partner simply doesn't view it as a problem.

How common are sexless marriages?

Statistics say only about 15% of US couples are sexless. Sexless defined as 10x a year or less. This includes the elderly and infirm. What is real is that most marriages are not sexless.

How does a sexless marriage affect men?

Typically, men are less likely to discuss personal matters with friends or family. Feeling stuck in a sexless marriage and not being able to share or vent their feelings, you start to feel isolated, alone, and depressed. The longer this goes on, the worse you feel.

Can lack of intimacy lead to cheating?

In some cases, withholding sex can push a partner to seek intimacy outside the marriage, which might lead to infidelity. If a partner doesn't start sex or has a low sex drive, the other partner may look for someone who can give them a healthy sex life.

Does a Sexless Marriage Justify Infidelity? | Marriage Expert Todd Creager

30 related questions found

How to stay faithful in a sexless marriage?

How to cope with a sexless marriage
  1. Pick your moment to talk. ...
  2. Pick your moment to listen. ...
  3. Be honest with yourself and each other. ...
  4. Decide whether sex is a deal-breaker for either of you. ...
  5. Be patient. ...
  6. Seek help together. ...
  7. Kindness is sexy. ...
  8. Ban sex.

How often does cheating happen in a marriage?

Infidelity occurs in about 25 percent of marriages over the course of a lifetime. And that includes only extra-marital sex, not just kisses, flirtations or emotional affairs. So, if you want to give your best guess, some form of serious infidelity probably affects at least significantly more marriages than that.

How unhealthy is a sexless marriage?

Studies show that individuals with a healthy sex life are less depressed, live longer, and report higher levels of marital satisfaction.” Another danger of having a sexless marriage when one person isn't happy about it is that this person may seek sexual satisfaction elsewhere, says Tina B. Tessina, Ph.

What is the walk away wife syndrome?

“Walkaway wife syndrome emerges whenever a wife who is emotionally detached and unhappy abruptly breaks off her marriage,” says Holly J. Moore of Moore Family Law Group. “It may seem abrupt to the [partner] but women generally think about divorce for several years before actually leaving.

What is a silent divorce?

What is Silent Divorce? In a silent divorce, the couple is legally married, but they have lost the emotional bond they once had. Although they live together and appear to have a regular marriage, they live separate lives. The couple typically lives in the same house but has limited to no interaction.

What is a marriage without intimacy called?

Sexless marriage or platonic marriage is a marital union that occurs between spouses in which there is little or no sexual activity involved in their relationship. Taking into account what is defined as any form of sexual activities by the respective partners.

Do most sexless marriages end in divorce?

In the article “Sexless Marriage Statistics – Commonality, Divorce Rates, and Other Stats,” author Benjamin Jorgensen claims that a whopping 74.2% of sexless marriages end in divorce.

At what age do married couples stop sleeping together?

There isn't a specific age when couples stop having sex. In healthy relationships, couples can continue to enjoy a satisfying sex life well into their later years, as long as they are physically able. The frequency and nature of sexual activity may change with age, but the desire for intimacy often remains.

What happens to a wife in a sexless marriage?

If you are a wife living in a sexless marriage: You probably feel the hurt and rejection that often accompanies this situation, and you may have a drop in your self-esteem. You may feel lonely and depressed thinking that your spouse finds you unattractive and undesirable.

What happens when couples stop sleeping together?

The absence of these shared moments can create a distance between partners, both emotionally and physically, which may lead to a decrease in sexual desire and activity. The act of sleeping together fosters a sense of security and comfort, reinforcing the bond between partners.

Is sexless marriage a deal breaker?

Whether being in a sexless marriage is a dealbreaker depends on the couple. But if you find yourself dissatisfied with the amount of sex you and your partner are having, the first step is to communicate this, then explore ways to find the intimacy that each of you needs to feel fulfilled.

Do walkaway wives come back?

In some cases, walkaway wives may return to the relationship if certain conditions are met or if there is a significant change in circumstances.

How do I know it's time to leave my marriage?

When one or both partners stop using manners, speak with a tone that speaks volumes or use intimidating body language, it can be a sign that the marriage is over. The same is true for couples who are no longer able to negotiate and compromise on critical parts of their relationship.

What is the unloved wife syndrome?

“Walkaway wife syndrome” refers to a situation where a wife becomes progressively disenchanted with her marriage. As she does, she gradually shuts down her level of emotional, physical and sexual involvement in the relationship.

Can your husband love you but not desire you?

In short, yes. You can be in love but not sexually attracted to your partner. Long-term partnerships are complicated. Over time, it's common for people to feel less attracted to their partner.

Is a sexless marriage my fault?

Men and women with sex problems in their relationship report similar issues, mostly related to sexual desire. Sexless marriages are not a single person's fault; rather, couple dynamics are often to blame.

How successful are sexless marriages?

According to research, many couples struggle with lack of sex in their marriages. Independent market research company Gitnux found that about 15% of marriages in the United States are sexless and about a third of divorces are caused by sexless marriages. But a relationship doesn't have to stay sexless.

What age group cheats the most?

Millennials show higher rates of infidelity compared to older generations. Recent data suggests that young adults aged 18 to 29 are more likely to cheat on their partners. This trend may be linked to changing attitudes toward relationships and marriage among younger people.

Where do most affairs start?

The 6 most common places where affairs start
  • In the office. The workplace is traditionally the place where people have the most affairs, Macleod said. ...
  • At the gym. ...
  • On social media. ...
  • Through a social circle. ...
  • At a volunteering gig. ...
  • In church.

What does cheating do to a woman?

The psychological impacts may be vast, from immediate emotional turmoil, deep-rooted inability to trust, and self-esteem erosion to symptoms akin to PTSD, all underscoring the severity of mental health challenges that can arise from such betrayal.