Originally Posted by
Gemini54
Sex in long term relationships can be a huge challenge.
I know that you're feeling dissatisfied, and I suspect that this is introducing an element of defensiveness on your husband's part, and also a feeling of self consciousnesses each time you have sex.
Men are sensitive creatures. He probably feels that nothing he does will be right, so he does nothing. You, on the other hand, want him to do something, but when he does it you get all analytical about it.
I don't know that I can offer any definitive 'solution' but perhaps these suggestions from my own experiences as an 'older' woman in a long term relationship might help?
Try not to analyze each sexual encounter - I know it's hard, but if it's less than satisfactory, try not to 'judge' it or rate it. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it could be better. Try to be OK with both.
By all means talk about sex, but perhaps with the emphasis on what you enjoy - not on how worried you are about your sex life. Talking about your sexual relationship has sent him into his 'cave', so don't talk about it for a while. Let's face it - you actually don't think he's doing 'the job' properly and that's what he is reacting to!
Enjoy your relationship and back off from being the controller or initiator. Allow him to do things for you - outside the bedroom. This may mean that you won't have sex for a while - it's not the end of the world is it if you don't have sex for a little while?
Accept that his sexuality is different to yours - you've tried everything (books, talking, seduction, etc, etc and essentially very little has changed. It won't change now because he's feeling under attack and unless he stops feeling defensive he's not going to do anything at all.
Going away on a trip was a great idea - I'd suggest that you continue to reestablish your emotional connection, rebuild your friendship and enjoy each other as people.
Sex is not the only issue in your relationship. Your insecurities and fears (which are warranted, given what previously happened) might just need to be tempered a little.
Give him credit for what he's doing and for who he is, and try to relax, if you can.