Married and NO ROMANCE!

United States
February 2, 2009 11:08am CST
So I have been married going on 4 years, and we have 3 children. They are 3, 2, and 1. Lately, there is NO ROMANCE with myself and my husband!!!! HOW CAN THIS BE?! We are both under 30 (he will be 30 next year, and I just turned 26) and we are acting as if we are 60! I'd like more romance and affection between us, like the old days! Any ideas????????
5 people like this
26 responses
@goldeneagle (6745)
• United States
2 Feb 09
This is what marriage does to a relationship. It happens to everyone...
2 people like this
• United States
2 Feb 09
I would hope this is not the textbook case! I have seen in some marriages where things are wonderful! Not just on the outside where you put on shows for everyone else to see and when you get home all heck breaks loose... but the kind that is great in the home AND in the public eye. :)
1 person likes this
• United States
15 Feb 09
It seems like NOTHING I try to do works. I don't know what else to do for her...
1 person likes this
• United States
15 Feb 09
Update: HE bought me flowers! And they were delivered; it's a first and I am very happy for it :)
@chtan007 (18)
• Singapore
3 Feb 09
Both of you are still young. Maybe both are you are too tied up on work as well as the burden to take good care of your kids. As all your kid are still young and need ample of times to take care of them. Are both of you enjoying the time spend together to bring up your kids. Maybe what both of you need is to find sometime together going out for a short tour to bring back the old memory when you both spend good times together. Get somebody to take good care of your kids, maybe mother in law to take care of them. Sometimes you might need some refreshing or to get wawy from work and kids.
2 people like this
• Singapore
15 Feb 09
I can see that you are really happy about it. Good to hear that. I have also bought a stalk of rose for my wife yesterday and she was also happy to see that. Wishing everybody have a good valentine outing yesterday night. Cheers
1 person likes this
• United States
3 Feb 09
That's a great idea, to get out and let someone else watch them a while. I will see about that and let you know how it goes! I am a Stay At Home Mom, so I am ALWAYS with the kids. It would be great to get a little break!
1 person likes this
• United States
15 Feb 09
Update: He shocked me today! He bought and had delivered a beautiful bouquet of Tulips for me! It's the first time it's ever happened! Romance here we come!
@adapots (82)
• Philippines
3 Feb 09
Wow!! You are very young to stop that thing! and 30 years old it doesn't mean he is old 30 is still young. I think there is a problem between you and your husband you must talk about it communication is the best solution of all problem. Ask him why and talk to him that you need that. or you can make a move to get his attention on you. try what ever you can. But talk to him first about the problem of what you wants. I believe that romance is the best tool to have a long relationship.
2 people like this
• Philippines
3 Feb 09
Have you ever try to talk about your first date? or something first thing happened to you and your husband when you are in the courtship stage. I think try to talk about the past the happy moment together. Talk the time of the spark stage of your relationship. I hope this is work on you If not try to talk a counselor about your problem.
2 people like this
• United States
3 Feb 09
That was hitting the nail on the head! There is a problem between us, we both have recognized it. But we don't know how to get the spark going again. We talk a lot, and talk some more. I think all the talking is getting us bored with talking to one another. Sad to say. Romance is definitely an important tool in building your love nest. I will try talking to him in a different way next time :)
1 person likes this
• United States
15 Feb 09
Update: He bought and had delivered a beautiful bouquet of Tulips today! Totally unexpected and a wonderful surprise! Things are looking up!
• United States
2 Feb 09
Well how can you say there has been no romance when you have three kids! It must be hard for you all to get it on when you have little ones like that. Here is something maybe you could do, get a babysitter for a night and go out to dinner, when you come home watch a nice movie that the both of you would like and give each other some good massages and I think that might put you in the mood. I know it would for me. I hope this helps you all in someway, welcome to mylot and I look forward to seeing you around.
• United States
2 Feb 09
LOL, everyone asks us that (about the kids), but on those rare times, that was the ONE time we had intimacy. Weird huh? Or it was the times where we would rush to spend "time" together, and later we'd get those 2 blue lines on the stick! :) But I like your ideas, the massages are definitely worth looking into! And thanks for the welcome!
1 person likes this
@bamakelly (5191)
• United States
13 Feb 09
There are things that happen during a marriage that can put stress on it. Changes like having children and other significant changes like financial problems and the like can sure hinder your love life. If you really love someone then you have to stick it through. You will find the time to rediscover each other when the time is right.
1 person likes this
• United States
15 Feb 09
bama, you are so right. And we started off with kids right after we were married and so we HAVE to find a way to rediscover who we are. Things are going to shift soon though, I can feel it! Update: For the first time ever, he bought and had delivered a beautiful bouquet of Tulips for me! I was very surprised! It was a wonderful gesture coming from him, so things are looking up! Wish us luck!
@jzybabes (286)
• Philippines
3 Feb 09
hello there marie,..what kind of job do you have your husband?..maybe he get tired of having a romance..instead of romancing,his now focusing on his job.. you have already 3 children and i think he always thinking of your children's future.. but anyway,make your first moves marie and do the romance first,i hope he will respond to you..! tell him that you want romance..
2 people like this
• United States
3 Feb 09
Well I stay at home with our kids. He works all day, and comes home late. Thinking about it, maybe I am not being as understanding that he is tired sometimes. You made a valid point. Thank you for the advice!
• United States
15 Feb 09
That would really be hard for me to go one without it! I am a hopeless romantic!!! Update: Today I came home and discovered that he had bought and had delivered a beautiful bouquet of Tulips for me; this is a first! He is trying to work it out, and I am going to do everything I can to work it out with him! Wish us luck! :)
@jzybabes (286)
• Philippines
4 Feb 09
yes marie, i experienced that also with my husband.. i was so depressed before for what i have experienced.. anyway, life must go on without it ..!
1 person likes this
@amjadmacs (467)
• France
3 Feb 09
Oh, then you have to make it happen. Well, when you husband comes for work, through him a candale light dinner or go outside from for dinner and only you two. Just 1 day away from kids. Talk to your hubby about it. May be he is facing some kinda a problem. Realize that you really love him and that kinda stuff.
• United States
16 Feb 09
Thank you :)
• United States
15 Feb 09
Update: You were right, he was facing a problem but he is working that out. On a positive note, he bought and had delivered a beautiful bouquet of Tulips for me today! It is the first time that he's ever done that! I am all smiles right now :)
• France
15 Feb 09
Thanks very good. I am happy for you now.
1 person likes this
• United States
2 Feb 09
me and my hubby went through a thing like this years ago and it was just because we had 2 kids under 6 and we both worked and were just tired. We have been married now for 17 years and have a now 2 year old so we got over it. Just do not make the mistake I made when I first started noticing the romance dwindle which was to nag about it and always ask why. That is such a turn off.
2 people like this
• United States
2 Feb 09
Wow... I have actually started doing just that, NAGGING! I will cease and desist that right away. Thinking about it, I realize that I could be making it harder on us both by pushing the issue rather than letting it flow!
1 person likes this
• United States
15 Feb 09
UPdate: Today, I received a beautiful bouquet of Tulips! It's the first time he's ever done that for me :)
@celticeagle (168478)
• Boise, Idaho
3 Feb 09
It is called getting into a rut. You have gotten to a point where you take eachother for granted. This may sound awful but it is actually very common. I have written an article that may give you some ideas. Here is the link: http://www.ehow.com/how_4492037_be-romantic-everyday.html So, this is just the beginning. Do some research online and see what else you can come up with. Talk to your partner and see where he's at. Tell him what you have put down here. Good luck!
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168478)
• Boise, Idaho
17 Feb 09
OOOoooh, how sweet is that??!! Yes, things are definitely looking up. I am so glad too. It didn't sound real promising earlier when you were writing the post. Glad to hear it went to well.
1 person likes this
• United States
17 Feb 09
Thanks! I was pretty down about our relationship and wasn't really looking for a change this time around for Valentine's Day. He's never really been big on expressing himself as far as love or romance was concerned, on our first anniversary he gave me his card and said "go do something nice for yourself" and the next morning after I had given him my gifts the night before and did other special things for "us", I finally asked if he had gotten me anything for our anniversary, and he says "Oh, yah, it's in the car". He was gone for 10 minutes; he had run to the Kroger and bought a card and a rose. He comes back and says "Happy Anniversary". But the receipt was still in the car, so I found out. lol It's funny now, but it hurt then. When I wrote this post, I didn't really only knew that our love was suffering and I was at a loss about how to mend it. I am glad that I did this though. When he saw that I was on here looking for help with us, it helped to turn him around. I am grateful for myLot now :)
1 person likes this
• United States
15 Feb 09
Update: He bought me a bouquet of Tulips and they were delivered today! It's the first time he has ever done this for me and it was truly wonderful :) Things are looking up :)
1 person likes this
@siddy_t (83)
• Jamaica
10 Feb 09
have you done any thing spontaneous lately in your relationship. i dont like whats happening, even though i am not married i hate it when things like this happens to some people. why do people feel like after marriage the fun days are over. true be told its just the begining. people should not be pinned down by marriage. i know that it can be stressful in dealing with three kids, but you guys have to try and make time for each other. have a romantic night out, surprise him with something, or even just rub his back when he come home. sometimes with lifes challenges we get so caught up with other stuff.
1 person likes this
• Jamaica
16 Feb 09
Girl am so happy for you right now. its good to know the sparks are rekindling.just make sure you play your part ok, because you dont want him to feel as if he is the only one who cares. let him feel special too.
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Feb 09
You are absolutely right. I think since I have posted this discussion on MyLot that I have discovered the real reason behind our lack of romance. It's not our kids it's us in general. We just are not communicating like we should be and therefore are missing the mark in the romance department just off principle of poor communication. Hopefully we will work this out soon! Thanks for responding :)
• United States
15 Feb 09
Update: He bought me a beautiful bouquet of Tulips and they were delivered to my door today! He's never done that before! The spark is coming back :)
@mermaidivy (15394)
• United States
3 Feb 09
Your case is just like mine! :(... He is not a romantic person, none romance exists...
• United States
3 Feb 09
We could encourage each other then! My husband isn't very romantic either but he does try. But it's always after I have said something to him about it or have cried about missing him.
1 person likes this
• United States
15 Feb 09
Update: I was wonderfully surprised today when I came home to discover a beautiful bouquet of Tulips were delivered for me! It's the first time he's ever bought me a bouquet of flowers! Things are looking up! :)
• Philippines
3 Feb 09
You could try being more romantic. Like, a) you can post little notes of ILOVEYOU under weird places that he would find like under the cover of the toilet seat, inside his polo shirt etc... b) then you can surprise him by doing something that you have not done before like for example if you don't know how to cook, cook for him or you can try his favorite dishes I am out of ideas but I think you get the picture of what I am suggesting.
1 person likes this
• United States
3 Feb 09
Pulang, I will try the love notes! I do cook, though lol, all homemade meals, cakes and cookies. So he might want to go out to his fav. restaurant, and I will take him there if this would help. :)
• United States
3 Feb 09
anitas: Yah, I should probably not argue about it, but when we talk about it, he doesn't like constructive criticism or even advice on how to woo me, which lands us in an argument. So, I will try the not arguing tip :)
• Philippines
4 Feb 09
Good luck. If you need poetry, I posted some originals in myspace.com. You can borrow it if you want. http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=443904241 It would be nice to have a rose with the note and you waiting in the bedroom :)
1 person likes this
@pmcepe (194)
• Philippines
3 Feb 09
Maybe unconsciously you are afraid that romancing may lead to another pregnancy. Maybe if he comes home from work and finds you still in towels after a bath with your favorite scents, it might set the mood. You could tell him , before he leaves for work in the morning, that today is your are "safe" day. Maybe if the anxiety of an unplanned pregnancy is absent you could be more open to romance. A clean and relaxed home is conducive to romance. Romantic music helps.( I'm talking from experience of 33 years of happy marriage here!)
2 people like this
• United States
3 Feb 09
Well, no, I have had a tubal :( WE both wanted more children. I think maybe that's one of the reasons he does not find me attractive anymore. I could not have anymore (doc's made it clear a tubal was for my own health) and he wanted a big family since we both have a lot of siblings. I think a lot that he has lost some attraction for me since then? Don't know.
1 person likes this
• United States
15 Feb 09
Update: Today I came home to a beautiful bouquet of Tulips being delivered to my door from my husband, it's the first time that's ever happened! Things are turning around :)
@chalee68 (73)
• South Korea
3 Feb 09
Really? so you have the one who make first move seduce him as much as you can(hehehe) do am i weird? There are also couple without romance but it's not too late you are still both young and it can be learn...LOL.
1 person likes this
• United States
3 Feb 09
No, you're not weird. You are right, I should put my best foot forward and seduce him! I was good at that when we were dating, so I know I can still muster up some of that magic!
• United States
15 Feb 09
Update: My husband did something he has never done before. He bought me a bouquet of Tulips and they were delivered to our home! I've never been so surprised! :) Things are looking up!
• United States
15 Feb 09
I am so glad things are looking up for you! Looks like what your doing is working!
1 person likes this
@Jae2619 (1483)
• United States
3 Feb 09
I've been married for almost 10 years.. I'm 28, husband is 34, and we used to have a wonderful romantic life... then we hit a rough spot... our first child come... another rough spot... and then we got back in the groove of things and it was great.... then well all that greatness turned into another child... and we are stuck back into that rut as you are... Wondering what happened, where'd things go, and how in the heck do we fix it.. He worked for 10 months straight at 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, until recently and there was no time for anything (between the sheets) but to try to get some sort of connection... we'd go out of our way to write little love notes and stick them in off the wall places so when we'd find them it would hit the spot... We'd text each other, mushy gushy notes... When he takes his lunch for work, I am the one who makes it and I always stick a note in there, whether it be just an I love you, and will be thinking of you.... or a note of things that I'd like to do, when he get's home (HA HA)... It brought back alot of the connection we were missing. We don't get a baby sitter but once in a blue moon, so I understand if you find yourself in a rut of not being able to go out, so for us we will... wait for the kids to go to bed.... and set up a blanket in the living room floor, eat popcorn, watch a movie and cuddle... We've gone to our bedroom and just sat and played board games, laughed like we were still young and kids... We, or well I buy cosmo and we read it together, and try out some of their ideas, just making every moment special is what brings back the romance. Taking time for each other, even if it's just a wink, or a smile... between changing diapers, it's the connection that counts... Good luck and happy romancing!! :)
1 person likes this
• United States
15 Feb 09
Jae, good news! He bought me (AND had delivered) a gorgeous bouquet of Tulips! I came home and was totally shocked! He's never done this before, and most times when he has done something for a Love "holiday" he does it the day after or forgets and runs out on the spot to get something as quick as possible. But this was thought out and it made me feel so great! Just thought I would let you know... he's making an effort to bring the spark back, and that more than anything else, is romantic! Fingers Crossed!!!
• United States
16 Feb 09
Thanks! And you are right, the little things matter so much more than they realize! Those flowers somehow awakened me, because I was really down in the dumps! I have gotten up and did some redecorating in the living room, and spruced up the place. It's amazing how much a gesture of love can do. I hope you had a great Valentine's Day :)
@Jae2619 (1483)
• United States
15 Feb 09
That's awesome news. I really am glad that you got a nice suprise and it was well meaning for you. Men never understand the little things go the farthest for us. I hope your weekend has been sweet and romantic.
1 person likes this
@rmuxagirl (7548)
• United States
13 Feb 09
I say make time for little dates out and make some romance, let grandma take the kids for the weekend or something and go away to a special b&b or a night of dancing. Talk to your husband about it, he may have some ideas too.
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Feb 09
You know, we have never really gone out on dates, at least not alone. I have always been pregnant (which is like 3 people out to dinner), or we've only had just an hour or two to grab a quick lunch before picking the kids up. It's like we are always in a rush to get to the place and then get back because whoever is watching our kids wants us back in a hurry lol He wants us to go to Olive Garden today, so maybe we can do that, and see where things go!
• United States
15 Feb 09
Update: A bouquet of Tulips were delivered from my husband today. Absolutely beautiful and a first! Keeping romance alive!
@rsa101 (38166)
• Philippines
17 Feb 09
Start talking it out with him again. I guess there are times that romance would slumber especially when at your age you already have 3 children it somehow dampens those romantic moments. But it is always possible to rekindle the past but then you just have to make slight adjustments of course to your children since they are part of you two already.
@rsa101 (38166)
• Philippines
17 Feb 09
It sure looks like you already knows what to do... Well yes sometimes thinking out of the box can work at times when you have tried all sorts of gimmick to spark it up again. Good Luck!
@manoj1502 (854)
• India
3 Feb 09
You already have 3 children remember that always. NO problem in doing romance i cant understand whats the problem in doing romance? Hope so you have many ways to do romance if your 60 also all wish to do romance right there is no end to do romance ok
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Feb 09
Our children are definitely a blessing, but since we are past the kid having stage, I still want some loving between us :) Thanks for responding :)
• United States
15 Feb 09
Update: For the first time ever, I had a bouquet of beautiful flowers delivered to my door from my husband! It was wonderful! :)
@Lilli810 (13)
• United States
3 Feb 09
Getting away from the kids would probably be a good start because they are usually mood killers, no matter how sweet they are. Next step is to buy some sexy lingerie and wear it unexpectedly. Do little things like wear an outfit that your husband finds very attractive. You just have to be creative and you both have to be willing to do a little work.
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Feb 09
Yes, we both have to be willing. Unfortunately, my husband just isn't the lovey dovey type of guy, he will buy the proverbial cards and occasionally the roses, but going all out for romance just isn't his thing. He tries though to his credit, so maybe we can both grow in understanding each others needs :) Thanks for Responding
• United States
15 Feb 09
Update: To his credit, my husband did something totally unexpected and new. He bought and had delivered a beautiful bouquet of Tulips for me! It was really romantic, and I was sweetly surprised! :)
@jasonp2 (23)
• United States
4 Feb 09
Well, remember, it's not just on his side, it's on yours, too. Have you told him how you're feeling? Do you take special occasions and set aside times just to give to him? I think that helps a lot, you can spend all the time together and have a pretty good time, and yet when you make special time for him, it feels fun, exciting, and special. If anything, you being the first one to spark up some more romance will encourage him to do the same. If anything, just have a plain and honest conversation with him and find out how he feels, too.
1 person likes this
• United States
4 Feb 09
Actually, I think I talk to him so much and tell him all the time that he may be tired of hearing it. When I don't say anything, or I stop making the advances or putting on the special clothes, we go weeks without intimacy. He tells me he doesn't see anything wrong with the time lapse of our intimacy. So, I keep trying, and sometimes I prevail, at others I don't. But thanks for the advice! I have done it, and now will continue to keep the conversation panel open :)
• United States
15 Feb 09
Update: For the first time ever, my husband bought and had delivered to our door, a beautiful bouquet of Tulips! It was a great surprise!
• Philippines
10 Feb 09
Lucky for you guys you have three kids now. But since you mentioned you have a problem how to flame back the romance, why not try to go out on a date with your husband this valentines day and spend the night that only you and him are there and just keep the kids with the nanny.
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Feb 09
That's a great idea. I am hoping that I can get us to take some time out for Valentine's Day. Cross your fingers and wish us luck :) Thanks for responding
• United States
15 Feb 09
Update: We didn't go out, but he did have a bouquet of beautiful Tulips delivered to our door; that's something he's never done before and it was a wonderful surprise! :)